Manchester United have confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal.
The announcement comes after an intense period of negotiations and is subject to the Dutchman passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie," said a club statement.
"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."
It is not anticipated there will be any problems with either remaining part of the deal. And providing it goes through without a hitch, van Persie could face Everton in United's opening Premier League game at Goodison Park on Monday.
No fee has been confirmed by United, although it is believed to be around the £20m mark, with further payments to Arsenal depending upon success in the future taking it to around £24m.
It is likely van Persie will sign a four-year deal.
The transfer represents the biggest deal United have done since Dimitar Berbatov's club record £30.75m move from Tottenham in 2008.
The Red Devils initially lodged a bid for the 29-year-old last month, but this was turned down by the Gunners amid further interest from Manchester City and Juventus. However, City never followed up an initial inquiry, while van Persie made it clear he was not interested in a move to Serie A.
Having taken the unusual step of confirming a bid for van Persie on United's pre-season tour of South Africa, Ferguson is then said to have intervened in a deal that was in danger of stalling by speaking directly with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
