Almost there! Arsenal and United open official talks over van Persie

Robin van Persie is closing in on a sensational £20million-plus move after Arsenal officially began negotiations with Manchester United.

The Mirror can reveal the two clubs spent Tuesday night talking about a deal which could now be pushed through before the Premier League kick-off this weekend.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is likely to settle on a fee of just above £20m as United prepare to increase their offer for the Dutch forward, who is currently on international duty but won't be in the starting line-up when Holland play Belgium on Wednesday night.

It is understood the clubs are very close to agreement on a fee. CLICK HERE FOR MORE