Manchester United Transfer News: Robin Van Persie Transfer Update

Robin van Persie could be making a move to Manchester United this summer, or he could not—it all depends on who you ask and what information you believe.

The 29-year-old striker became the most talked about player in world football after he sensationally announced he would not be renewing his contract at the club when it expires at the end of the year. This meant that he could potentially be available for offer over the summer transfer window.

And after beating out Juventus and Manchester City, the Red Devils have landed in the pole position to sign Van Persie. That is, of course, if they can convince Arsene Wenger to sell him to a Premier League rival only days out from the start of the new Premier League season.

According to the latest from The Sun, Wenger isn't phased by the transfer rumors and expects the Dutch international to play for the London club this year.

"

"There's no news on [Robin] van Persie. Our fans want him to stay so you can understand they are excited.

"Anything I could say about Van Persie would be a lie because he's our best player and that's it. Robin scored 30 goals last season and you want to keep your best player.

He was the player of the year in England—we want to keep him. I cannot tell you more at the moment because I don't know more.

We have not bought the players to replace Van Persie, but to strengthen our squad with the thinking that Van Persie will stay."

"

Yet according to a report this afternoon from The Daily Mail, Manchester United are about to make an improved offer for Van Persie, following private discussions that took place between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

"

"Sir Alex Ferguson has held private discussions with Arsene Wenger over Manchester United's attempts to complete a dramatic swoop for Robin van Persie.

Arsenal are expecting an improved offer following personal contact between the two managers which took place recently.

Sources say that a deal to take the Arsenal captain, who got 30 goals to win the golden boot last season, to Old Trafford could be completed by the time the season kicks off this weekend. 

It is understood the Arsenal manager repeated his insistence to Ferguson the 29-year-old would not be allowed to leave for United for a penny under £30 million, but the Gunners will listen to offers starting at £20 million with add ons. 

Ferguson's personal intervention into the proposed deal to sign Van Persie underlines the club's determination to land the Holland international."

"

It all depends on who you ask.

Manchester United have intentionally pursued Van Persie as their top transfer target this summer after their deal with Lucas Moura never availed, and despite the pulling power and lure of Old Trafford, the 29-year-old could well remain at Arsenal this summer.

With the Premier League only days away from commencing, it would no doubt be easier on all parties if a deal didn't take place, and both clubs could concentrate on starting the season well, rather than trying to wrap up a last-minute deal.

Having said that, United have pulled off a last-minute signing of a striker, having picked up Dimitar Berbatov on the final day of the summer transfer window three years ago. Thus we cannot count out a similar move taking place with RVP here.

The question now becomes as to whether the Red Devils will offer Arsenal what they want for Van Persie. Arsenal will not sell him on the cheap, and are more than happy to retain their star striker for another season—meaning that United will have offer serious money to lure him away from the Emirates this summer.

If Arsenal to hang on to RVP, they'll have another 10 months or so to work on a new contract, but perhaps more importantly, they'll also have a full year to reap the rewards that RVP brings for them on and off the football pitch.

My gut still stays that Van Persie stays at Arsenal, though the likelihood of a Manchester United move is increasing with every passing day. I'm still not sold on it either way, and it seems we definitely haven't heard the last of this transfer saga.

What do you think? Does RVP make a move to United or stay at Arsenal?

Comment below or hit me up on Twitter:  Follow @dantalintyre