Robin the red: Ferguson lines up Van Persie for Man United but first he must fight off City.

Manchester United are preparing to gazump neighbours City and sign unsettled Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to land the Holland star, who confirmed he will not be signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, as Sportsmail revealed on May 18.

In a damning statement, Van Persie questioned Arsenal’s ambition, saying he wants to win trophies but that he and the club ‘disagree on the way Arsenal should move forward’.

Ferguson wants the Barclays Premier League title back from Manchester City and does not intend to lose out on a player who scored 30 League goals last season. 

Van Persie’s shock declaration was met with fury by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who face yet another summer of losing their star.

The striker’s statement on his own website read: ‘As announced earlier this year, I had a meeting with the boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. 

'This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a  contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2168919/Robin-van-Persie-wanted-Manchester-United-Manchester-City.html#ixzz1zkDghgde