Premier League clubs now have just 11 days left to complete their transfer business before the window slams shut on August 8th. With the last-minute panic soon to kick in, we can expect the already large number of rumours and links to increase dramatically. The weekend saw several major developments in regards to some of the summer’s biggest stories. Here, we take a look at 10 of the biggest pieces of news from the past weekend…
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s transfer business this summer appears to be being conducted with one eye on the future. Following the signing of 17-year-old defender Sepp van den Berg, the Reds have now added 16-year-old Harvey Elliott to their ranks. As it currently stands, the former Fulham teenager cannot turn professional as he needs to wait until his next birthday. However, the midfielder has already made his debut for the Anfield outfit, appearing against Napoli in a pre-season friendly on Sunday as his new side lost 3-0.
It has been quite the weekend for Gareth Bale. On Friday, he was reportedly very close to a move to Chinese Super League team Jiangsu Suning on a three-year deal. The following day, he made what seemed to be his final appearance for Real Madrid during their 7-3 humiliation at the hands of rivals Atletico. And then, on Sunday, the saga took another twist. Despite Zinedine Zidane’s comments about the Wales international’s future, the former Tottenham man may still have a role to play at the Santiago Bernabeu after all as Los Merengues blocked the move. Apparently, Florentino Perez wants a transfer fee for the 30-year-old, which scuppered the deal.
It has been widely reported this summer that Unai Emery has a small transfer budget to work with. However, Arsenal’s move for Lille’s Nicolas Pepe indicates otherwise. The Gunners are said to have agreed a fee with the Ligue 1 club for the Ivory Coast winger. They will pay £72m for the 24-year-old and, whilst the player and his potential new club are yet to finalise the details of the prospective contract, the deal is expected to be completed shortly.
With Pepe looking like he will soon join Arsenal, it effectively puts an end to any talk of Wilfried Zaha making a move to the Emirates Stadium. However, the Crystal Palace man is also attracting plenty of attention from Everton, and the Toffees have even made an offer for the winger worth £55m. However, the bid does not include any player going in the opposite direction, which may be one of the reasons why the Selhurst Park outfit have turned down the Merseyside club’s proposal.
It could be a busy end to the transfer window for Everton. Not only are they pursuing Zaha, but it is being said that they are also in talks with Juventus in regards to the signature of Italy international Moise Kean. The Toffees are looking to bring in another forward following Ademola Lookman’s departure for RB Leipzig and the 19-year-old is seen as the perfect fit for the club.
You can only admire Bayern Munich’s optimism and perseverance as they attempt to complete a deal for Manchester City’s Leroy Sane. Despite no indication from the Citizens that they want to sell the Germany international, the Bundesliga champions remain bullish in their pursuit. Bayern manager Niko Kovac has even said that he “assumes” the 23-year-old will move to Bavaria this summer. The response from the Premier League club’s camp should be interesting.
Should Sane complete a move to Bayern, though, it is being reported that the Citizens will eye an approach for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal. The 22-year-old has a €75m (£67.6m) release clause in his contract, but City are reportedly ready to meet that price to take him to the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League club have also contacted the Spain U21 international’s representatives to inform them of their potential intention to sign him.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba could be on the way out of Old Trafford this summer, with Real Madrid in particular linked with the France international. Should he leave, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may push to sign Juventus’ Blaise Matuidi. According to Sunday’s print edition of Corriere di Torino (via the Daily Express), Pogba’s compatriot is eager to leave Juve as he looks for a new challenge.
Watford have been amongst the quieter clubs in the Premier League during this transfer window, having spent just £7.74m so far. However, that sum could increase soon. According to The Watford Observer, talks are continuing with Stade Rennais in regards to the transfer of Ismaila Sarr, with an agreement for a fee said to be close. The Senegal international is expected to leave the Ligue 1 team.
Paulo Dybala has been linked with a move away from Juventus this summer amidst interest from Tottenham and, most recently, Manchester United, but it appears that he wants to stay at the Serie A club instead of making a move abroad. The Argentina international reportedly wants to stay in Turin to fight for his place and may even cut his summer holiday short to return to training and get accustomed to Maurizio Sarri’s methods.