Robin Van Persie Joins Manchester United From Arsenal

Meanwhile, Robin van Persie and his agent are now absolutely swimming in cash. A four-year, £225,000 per week deal was what it took to lure the 29-year-old to Old Trafford, which comes out to a cool £47M. If neither was set for life before, well, they are now.

It really was the perfect time for the striker to have his breakthrough. With his previous contract set to expire in June 2013, another ‘normal’ year -- to that point, 22 appearances and nine goals was his Premier League average --would presumably have led to van Persie signing an extension with Arsenal. While remaining with the Gunners is not exactly a hardship, their wage structure compared to United’s would undoubtedly have cost him tens of millions over the next few seasons.

The Red Devils manager stated: ”“He’s not signed yet, but a fee has been agreed. He’s on his way up from London and will have a medical later this afternoon. Hopefully that goes according to plan.His agent is also in discussion with David Gill. Hopefully all these things will be tied up by the end of the day.

“But sometimes medicals take a little longer and it may carry on until tomorrow. But I’m sure he will be available for Monday’s game.”

But while the club-crazy among us are trying to sort through how this will affect the table, there is that other kind of competition that has been turned upside down too -- fantasy Premier League. Several players on both United and Arsenal will see their fantasy value completely changed because of this transfer. That includes two of the league’s best players who will be expected to lead United, but according to Never Manager Alone, they wlll take a fantasy hit.

Other players will also take a hit, especially a couple other United strikers, while some of the Arsenal forwards are going to see their fantasy values soar because of this. Keep worrying about where you club will finish in the table now, but don’t forget about that fantasy team.

But even though Arsenal knew that selling van Persie was not just a possibility, it was likely, a sale of their best player doesn’t leave anyone feeling particularly well. The Gunners just let their best player go and to a team that the Gunners aren’t exactly buddy-buddy with. Over at SB Nation’s Arsenal blog, The Short Fuse, Thomas Wachtel tries to sort through his feelings on the sale and says that the only thing that might put a smile on those at the Emirates is to buy a player or two, and quickly.

Arsenal could still use some reinforcements in defense and while nobody knows for sure just how much United are paying Arsenal, it will be a pretty penny. Will the Gunners take that money and use it to strengthen the team at the back or elsewhere?