#8. Robin Van Persie (Arsenal to Machester United)
Robin van Persie had become one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League in his last couple of years at Arsenal. Initially signed as a left sided winger for a paltry sum of £2.5 million from Feyenoord, Arsene Wenger developed the Dutchman into a striker who could lead the line for Arsenal after Thierry Henry’s departure. Van Persie matured into a complete striker and was also given the captain’s armband after Cesc Fabregas departed to Barcelona.
In his last season at Arsenal, van Persie scored a massive 37 goals in all competition for the Gunners. But trophies didn’t come by at the Emirates and to the Dutchman. When he refused to sign a contract extension at the Emirates, Manchester United’s the then manager Sir Alex Ferguson lured him to sign for Manchester United with the promise of trophies.
Van Persie joined Manchester United for £24 million in 2012 after having a hugely successful year with Arsenal. He would be influential in guiding the Red Devils to the Premier League title by scoring 26 goals in the process. Though he had infuriated the Arsenal fans, van Persie did not care as he had finally won the league in his first season at his new club. After three years in Manchester, van Persie was sold to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
