LONDON: Manchester United have agreed a £24m deal to sign Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie on a four-year contract. Inside the next 48 hours the 29-year-old will finalise discuss personal terms and undertake a medical.

Arsenal’s captain had announced in July he would not extend his current deal, which expires next June. The Holland striker scored 44 goals in 57 games for club and country last season, including two against United. He then had a disappointing campaign at Euro 2012.

United, in a statement, said: “Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement for the transfer of Robin Van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson first confirmed United’s bid for Van Persie on 20 July but Arsenal dismissed the offer for Van Persie, who joined them for only £2.75m in 2004, because it fell short of their valuation.

Juventus and Manchester City had also been interested in Van Persie but City boss Roberto Mancini admitted last week they were out of the running for the striker. The Dutchman was named Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Writers’ player of the year last season.

Van Persie was an inspirational and committed captain of the Gunners, in succession to Cesc Fabregas, since last summer. However Arsenal’s failure to challenge for major trophies had become an increasing frustration to him – as it was to Fabregas previously.

In his eight years in north London Van Persie and Arsenal have won ‘only’ the 2004 Community Shield and 2005 FA Cup.

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