Arsenal Transfer Report: Sir Alex Confident of Sealing £20m Deal for Van Persie

According to a report in The Independent, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful of wrapping up a deal for Robin van Persie before the start of the Premier League season.

He believes the North London club are willing to do business at £20million, despite having been quoted as needing to pay £30million for the Dutch striker.

"Ferguson and United will hold firm and offer around the £20m mark that they believe will be enough to land such a key figure from one of their rivals," the report claims.

"Arsenal's insistence on placing a £30m price tag on the 29-year-old Dutch forward has so far stopped any deal taking place. A phone call from Alex Ferguson to Arsene Wenger has helped the situation, but it will not lead to a significant increase in the price United are prepared to pay."

The future of van Persie has been up in the air since he controversially demanded to leave the club almost two months ago.

Juventus, Manchester City and United have been the three contenders for the wantaway striker's signature, with the Red Devils reportedly leading the chase.

With the start of the Premier League season less than a week away, it seems that Sir Alex is keen to business sooner rather than later.

"Ferguson is eager to do the transfer now and hopes that a deal can be concluded before his side begin their Premier League campaign against Everton on Monday evening."

Arsenal fans have long hoped that Juventus would make a satisfactory offer for the player, due to them not wanting to have to see last season's PFA Player of the Year transfer to a rival club.

But it seems that is becoming an increasingly likely scenario.