VAN PERSIE STAY

Wenger wants Van Persie future sorted before start of season

has not given up hope of keeping Robin Van Persie – but wants the striker’s future sorted one way or the other by the start of the new Premier League season.

The Dutchman has announced he will not be extending his contract with Arsenal beyond next summer after questioning the club's ambition.

And, if Wenger cannot convince van Persie to stay, the Gunners boss admits he will look to cash in on his captain before the new campaign gets under way on August 18.

Manchester United have admitted their interest in the 28-year-old, while Juventus and Manchester City are also understood to have tabled bids.

"Van Persie is a world-class striker and I am a big supporter of him,” said Wenger. “I have supported him through his whole career. He has one year left and is in demand but our desire is to keep him.

"However, we will do what is in best interest of the club. If you have a decoder in your head you can decode that.

"The official transfer deadline is August 31 but then we can create an internal deadline."

Asked if that was before the new season starts, he replied: "Of course. I believe the transfer market should stop before the season starts anyway."

Barcelona agree deal for Bale - reports

Tottenham have agreed to sell Gareth Bale to Barcelona for £40million, according to reports in Spain.

There has been much speculation about Bale’s future, with the Nou Camp regularly talked about as a possible destination for the Welshman.

And Marca TV programme, Futboleros, is now claiming the La Liga club have reached an agreement with the north Londoners for the sale of the 22-year-old.

They now need to agree personal terms with Bale and Futboleros are reporting they will offer him a five-year contract on €5million a year.