MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United has signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal on a four-year deal, one day before the start of the Premier League season.
The Netherlands striker agreed to personal terms and passed a medical examination Friday to complete a transfer that is believed to have cost United about 24 million pounds ($38 million).
Van Persie was the division’s top scorer last season with 30 goals, helping Arsenal finish third and qualify for the Champions League despite the team’s dreadful start.
His departure means Arsenal has lost its captain to a major European rival for the second straight preseason, after Cesc Fabregas left for Barcelona in 2011.
Van Persie should make his debut for United in Monday’s match at Everton.
