Transfer rumours: Robin van Persie to Manchester United?

Robin van Persie

Arsenal’s wantaway captain Robin van Persie could yet become a Manchester United player, according to reports.

It’s believed that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told close friends he’s confident of signing last season’s Premier League top scorer in a deal worth around £20million.

However, the Red Devils face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City – who will be able to offer a more lucrative salary – and Serie A champions Juventus.

The Gunners remain determined to persuade their star player to reverse his decision and sign a new contract but the Netherlands international, who returned to Arsenal this week, appears to have made up his mind.

Manager Arsène Wenger has already brought in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud this summer, but the Frenchman is also keen to sign Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay, who has been told by his new coach Tito Vilanova that he will only play a peripheral role at the Nou Camp next season.

Arsenal’s local rivals Tottenham are also poised to lose arguably their best player this summer. Luka Modrić has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for several weeks now, and Spurs boss André Villas-Boas has reportedly said the Croatia midfielder can leave White Hart Lane providing the club’s £35million valuation is met.

Tottenham are also waiting for Emmanuel Adebayor to lower his wage demands before a £6million deal is completed to bring him back to north London from Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have reopened talks with Marseille over Spanish right-back Cesar Azpilicueta. The 22-year-old is likely to cost around £7million.

The Blues are also keen to offload midfielder Florent Malouda, who is unlikely to join Brazilian side Santos despite last week’s rumours.

Liverpool are prepared to accept offers of around £20million for out-of-favour striker Andy Carroll, with Newcastle, Fulham and Aston Villa all interested.

But the Merseyside outfit have not yet completed the signing of Fulham forward Clint Dempsey – although a transfer could still happen during the forthcoming weeks.

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