Saturday’s transfer news: Arsenal agree Pepe fee, Man Utd cling on to Pogba, City in talks to sell Sane, Spurs latest
Follow the latest news and rumours from the summer transfer window throughout the day as Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs remain active along with a number of clubs across Europe
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Follow the latest updates live from the transfer window as we bring you all the done deal, rumours and news throughout the summer. Gareth Bale is nearing a move to China that will see him earn an incredible £1m a week with Jiangsu Suning, but the departure could allow Real Madrid to press on with their move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
But one player potentially leaving Old Trafford may not actually depart this summer, with Inter Milan’s move for Romelu Lukaku said to be on the rocks. Arsenal meanwhile are being strongly linked with a huge offer for Nicolas Pepe, though the Lille winger has interested a number of clubs across Europe.
Manchester City meanwhile could be on the verge of losing Leroy Sane, with the Germany international wanted by Bayern Munich – who have reportedly opened talks with the Premier League champions over a summer move. Follow the live news below.
The summer transfer window closes at 5pm on Thursday 8 August for all Premier League and Championship clubs, with the rest of Europe having until 11pm CET on Monday 2 September to complete their summer transfer business.
Welcome to The Independent's transfer live blog, where we'll keep you updated on the latest news and rumours from across Europe and beyond throughout the summer window.
We begin this morning with the news that emerged overnight surrounding Gareth Bale.
The 30-year-old Wales international is poised to join Chinese club Jiangsu Suning,having agreed a personal deal that will see him double his wages to more than £1m a week, making him the highest-paid footballer in Chinese Super League history.
Bale has been left in little doubt that he is not wanted by Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who has been actively looking to force Bale's exit this summer, and his departure will be seen as a win for the Frenchman as Bale initially did not want to leave the club.
But an announcement could come in the next few days, with Bale set to join the fourth club of his career following Southampton, Tottenham and Madrid.
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Here are the full details on Bale's proposed move to China, although there is an update from Zinedine Zidane on whether the move is done or not.
In a word...no. The Madrid boss has confirmed that Bale remains a Madrid player after featuring in their pre-season humiliation by Atletico Madrid overnight - they suffered a landslide 7-3 defeat - but talks are ongoing and he could leave in the coming days.
Arsenal have moved into pole position to sign winger Nicolas Pepe from Lille, according to growing reports in Italy.
The 24-year-old is wanted by a number of clubs this summer and Lille are already resigned to losing him in the transfer window.
Along with Arsenal, both Napoli and Liverpool have been strongly linked with the Ivory Coast international, while Inter Milan are also believed to be interested.
But according to Italian media, Arsenal have surged ahead in their negotiations to sign Pepe. The Gunners are understood to have agreed a £71.6m deal for Pepe that would also see him paid €10m per season, with Napli growing increasingly concerned that they are going to miss out on their top transfer target.
Real Madrid's ability to get Gareth Bale off their books will enable them to renew their interest in Paul Pogba.
It looked increasingly likely that Pogba would remain at Manchester United this summer as potential exits disappeared before his eyes.
But Madrid manager Zidane is determined to add Pogba to his squad, which is why he has been so vocal in trying to force Bale out in order to free up the space to sign the 2018 World Cup-winner.
According to ESPN, Madrid are growing increasingly confident that they will sign Pogba this summer, with talks between the two clubs set to resume next week.
The future of Romelu Lukaku remains in the balance after news emerged that Inter Milan's pursuit of the Manchester United striker had hit the rocks.
It has been no secret that United are open to selling Lukaku this summer, but their £80m valuation has caused issues for Milan and they are yet to submit an acceptable offer.
As a result, news emerged during the week that the move may be scrapped, and the Daily Mail reports that Lukaku has travelled to Belgium to hold talks with his agent about what his future holds.
A staggering £80m move for Harry Maguire could be edging closer for Manchester United.
That's because their willingness to go that high and meet Leicester's valuation has been helped by the injury to Eric Bailly.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may insist on the England international in time for the start of the season.
Chelsea look to be sniffing around Wilfried Zaha, despite their transfer ban.
The Blues look to rival Arsenal, who have made the Ivorian a top target all summer, and now Everton for the Palace star's signature.
Zaha wants to leave this summer and the Toffees are preparing a £60m offer, plus Cenk Tosun, to play the Gunners out the water.
But the Telegraph claim there are fears the Blues could hijack the deal, despite their ban.
Manchester United are one of four clubs to have made contact with representatives of Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon.
The 19-year-old, who made 35 appearances for the Cottagers in the Premier League last season, has also attracted interest from Tottenham, PSG and Juventus.
But United, according to journalist Duncan Castles, have made contact with the player's representatives ahead of a potential move. Fulham reportedly value Sessegnon at £30m.
BREAKING: According to the BBC's David Ornstein, Arsenal have agreed terms on the deal to sign Nicolas Pepe.
It's claimed that the €80m transfer includes a payment plan over a certain number of instalments and a five-year contract for the forward.
if all goes according to plan, the deal could be announced as early as Monday.
It seems as though Arsenal are ready to break their club transfer record.
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