ARSENAL are considering a shock transfer move for Sheffield United midfield star Sander Berge, according to reports in Norway.
The Gunners were one of the club keeping tabs on Berge in January, but were beaten to the punch by United’s surprise swoop.
Manchester United were also in the hunt for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who was at the time playing for Belgian club Genk.
But it was Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder who put his money where his mouth was, and stumped up a club record £22million transfer fee to recruit the Norway international.
However Norwegian newspaper VG reports that Arsenal have continued to monitor Berge’s progress and are considering another attempt to buy him after Sheffield United’s dismal start to the season.
They say Arsenal believe 6ft 5in Berge would give them a more physical presence in midfield.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already spent £45m on Atletico Madrid’s midfield powerhouse Thomas Partey.
But Arteta is still on the lookout for another midfielder, and Berge is one of the options, along with Houssem Aouar of Lyon who would be significantly more expensive.
Berge is a big hit with Sheffield United fans, and has already made 25 appearances, scoring twice.
However with the Blades bottom of the Premier League, with just one point from nine games so far, he could be on his way at the end of the season, if not in January.
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Wilder claims Berge has been United’s best player this season, and has admitted that interest from bigger clubs is inevitable.
He said: “Sander was a fantastic signing for us.
“We want him to grow with us, but we understand that the big clubs are interested when he performs so well.
“That means we, and Sander, are doing something right.
“People judged Sander when we signed him. They expected everything to happen immediately.
“There were some harsh opinions about him.
“People thought he would not be a success in the Premier League, but he has turned it upside down. Sander has been our best player this season.
“I just have to say it: Sander has been unique. He is the one who has stood out for us.
“He is a complete midfielder. He can play as an 8 and as 6. He can play in different formations.”
