According to a report in the Sheffield Star, Arsenal are readying a summer bid for 23-year-old Sheffield United midfielder, Sander Berge.
The Norwegian is an international teammate of Martin Odegaard, who is currently having a very good time at Arsenal.
Despite Sheffield United being on the verge of relegation, they are unlikely to sell their star midfielder cheap, with a big queue of clubs rumoured to be interested in the bidding. The report goes on to say:
‘The Star understands that, after being made aware of Arteta’s interest, someone with knowledge of the deal they might table then began actively encouraging Jose Mourinho’s employers to enter the race.’
The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with Berge in the past too, so Arsenal will have to move fast if they want to secure the signing of the midfielder.
Arsenal have been linked with Berge for some time. At the end of 2020 we brought you reports from Norway that suggested Arsenal were set to reignite their interest in the player. Back on episode 9 of The Fresh Arsenal podcast, Berge was my pick to reinforce our midfield options.
The 6ft 5’ midfielder combines great dribbling abilities with strong passing and physical skills, and aged just 23, already plays with maturity beyond his years.
Ruled out for much of this season due to injury, Berge has only managed 12 starts for Sheffield United, and that is likely to have played a part in why his team have struggled so badly this season.
So how much will he cost? Well after joining Sheffield United for £22million a year ago and attracting plenty of interest, he won’t come cheap. The Sheffield Star say his club have slapped a £35million asking-price on him. At that price, Arsenal may look to explore other options.