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** Update **

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists the Gunners were left with "no choice" but to sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United. Click here to read the full story.

**

Sir Alex Ferguson has finally got his man, with Robin van Persie poised to join Manchester United in a £24million deal.

Van Persie will sign a four-year contract with United on £200,000-a-week in a package worth almost £40m to the Holland international.

As revealed by the Mirror on Tuesday , Arsenal agreed to sell their captain and star striker once their asking price was met.

He will travel to Manchester on Thursday, where he will undergo a medical at the city's Bridgewater Hospital before the deal is completed.

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After weeks of wrangling, Ferguson had made a personal plea to old foe Arsene Wenger to agree to allow van Persie to join United . Wenger was reluctant to let his prized asset join United, but was forced to cave in once the offer reached £24m.

The Dutchman had just one year left on his contract, and Arsenal faced the prospect of losing him for nothing next year unless they sold.

The capture is a formidable statement of intent from United on the eve of the new Premier League season, as they aim to reclaim the title from local rivals Manchester City.

*Check out 40 pics of RvP's Arsenal career in our gallery here.

United's attack now boasts the Premier League's two leading strikers from last season in van Persie and Wayne Rooney , who scored 71 goals between them.

United striker Javier Hernandez, having dropped down the front-line pecking order at United with the arrival of van Persie, could move the other way to Arsenal.

Hernandez, who endured a difficult second season at United last term, is said to be frustrated at the inevitable lack of opportunities to start now van Persie has joined, amid unconfirmed reports he has told Ferguson he wants to leave.

(Image: John Peters)

Ferguson feared he had lost out on van Persie a few weeks ago, with the United boss privately claiming Wenger wanted £30m for the forward.

And only last week Ferguson went public with that dismay , accusing Wenger of trying to sell van Persie to any club other than United.

Yet despite interest from Manchester City and Juventus, United was always Van Persie's first-choice, with Arsenal's asking price the only stumbling block to the move.

Arsenal confirmed the deal on their website and United released their own statement moments later which said: "Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Robin van Persie.

"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms."

The news was greeted with fury by celebrity Arsenal fan and TV presenter Piers Morgan, who laid into the Dutchman on Twitter , labelling him "mercenary, heartless and selfish."

(Image: Twitter)

Morgan was later gently ribbed online by Van Persie’s new teammates Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

Wayne, 26, posted on Twitter: “Arrrrr poor piers. @piersmorgan whats up now big man”.

Piers hit back by responding to Wayne: “I’m fine, thanks, No2 striker at Old Trafford”.

Rio, 33, added on Twitter: “Hahahahahaha #TearsForPiers quickest RT of a tweet I have seen so far! 5000+ in 20mins!”

Jockey AP McCoy: “Gutted van Persie is going 2 utd good player but if he doesn’t want 2 play for arsenal then it was best 2 get rid of him R.I.P RVP.”

Emmerdale actor Tom Lister: “What a ridiculous move by Arsenal to sell Van Persie to United. Can’t see Fergie selling his best player to any of England’s Top Clubs!”

Everton captain and former Manchester United stalwart Phil Neville: “looking forward to Rooney/ Van Persie first day of the season mate?” Hammy is a bit tight tonight!!!!!!!!!!

How will he fit into the team? Can he play with Rooney? What now for Welbeck? David McDonnell assesses what RvP's arrival means for Manchester United.