Romelu Lukaku signs megadeal with Manchester United, Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker retiring

July 8 (UPI) -- Manchester United agreed with Everton for the transfer of Romelu Lukaku, while Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker is retiring.

Lukaku's transfer was officially announced Saturday, while Meresacker's move came Friday.

Mertesacker will manage Arsenal's academy in 2018.

"Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players," Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said in a team statement. "He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfill their potential. He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy."

Mertesacker, 32, joined Arsenal in 2011. He started his career at Hannover, making his first team debut in 2003. In 2006 he joined Werder Bremen, where he won the DFB-Ligapokal in 2006 and the DFB-Pokal in 2008. He made 209 appearances for Arsenal, scoring eight goals.

"This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted that I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family," Mertesacker said in the statement. "This season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch. After that, I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team."

Mertesacker had four goals and 104 caps for Germany. He made his international debut in 2004 and also won the 2014 World Cup with the Germans in Brazil. He retired from international soccer following that German triumph. Mertesacker has three FA Cup victories with the Gunners.

Luke Hobbs will lead the academy this coming season. Mertesacker will play for Arsenal this season, as he was given a one-year contract extension in January.

"Looking forward to the new challenge in 2018...but: it ain't over 'til it's over," Mertesacker tweeted Friday.

Lukaku's deal with Manchester United is subject to a medical and personal terms, according to the team. He scored 25 Premier League goals last season for Everton and has 85 goals in the league in 186 appearances for Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion and Everton.

United paid Everton more than $96 million for the Belgium striker. Lukaku was hanging out with new teammate Paul Pogba this week in the United States.

"See you tomorrow in training," Pogba wrote on social media Saturday.

Pogba has posted an array of pictures featuring Lukaku and NBA star Serge Ibaka, hanging out at a lavish house in Southern California.

Ibaka signed a three-year, $65 million contract last week with the Toronto Raptors.

The soccer stars have been training in Los Angeles.

Lukaku, 24, went from Anderlecht to Chelsea in 2011. He also spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Everton.

The striker snubbed a return to Chelsea to make the move. He shares agent Mino Raiola with Pogba.

Lukaku's 68 goals are more than any other Everton player in Premier League history. His deal includes more than $19.3 million in add-ons, according to Sky Sports.

Wayne Rooney will move to Everton, according multiple reports. The move will be announced separately. Sources told ESPN that Rooney has already undergone his medical before a return to Everton. The 31-year-old came to United in 2004 from Everton. Rooney, a five-time Premier League champion, scored 253 goals in 559 appearances.

United legend Gary Neville had some pointed comments about the Lukaku move.

"He's incredibly talented and I've seen him destroy defenses but personally I've never been his biggest fan," Neville tweeted Saturday. "However he will score goals. He went missing in too many matches I saw, but with a better team + players around him he has an improved chance to deliver in big matches."

United paid last more than $114 million last summer to get Pogba from Juventus. Lukaku could make his Red Devils debut on July 15 against the Los Angeles Galaxy at StubHub Center.