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17.08.12

Robin van Persie became the latest big-name player to slip from Arsenal's grasp when the Dutch striker completed his move to Manchester United on a four-year deal. 

Van Persie agreed personal terms and passed a medical examination to complete a transfer that is believed to have cost United about £24m.

"I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game," Van Persie said.

"I can't wait to get started." While Arsenal will be happy to have recouped such a big fee for a 29-year-old player who has had many injury problems in his eight years at the club.

Van Persie's departure nevertheless deprives manager Arsene Wenger of his captain and the league's top scorer last season with 30 goals. In fact, Van Persie becomes the fifth Arsenal captain to leave the club since 2004, after Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, William Gallas and, in the preseason of 2011, Cesc Fabregas.