Arsenal are reportedly desperate to beat the likes of Everton, AS Monaco and others in the pursuit of highly-rated Genk midfielder Sander Berge
Daily Mirror are reporting that Arsenal are desperate to add to their midfield and are seeking to land Genk midfielder Sander Berge in the summer. The Norwegian holding midfield prospect has been tailed by the likes of Everton, Sevilla and AS Monaco. But, the Gunners are looking to trump other suitors to secure Berge’s signature.
The report states that the Genk starlet has been on Arsenal’s radar for quite a while, with the Gunners keeping an eye on the 19-year-old’s development over the last six months in Belgian Pro League and seem to have built a healthy relationship with the player’s camp.
Sander Berge arrived at Genk from Valeranga only in January 2017 and impressed in the middle of the park, racking up 27 appearances in total.
The Asker Football academy product has a calm head and is a strong presence in the middle of the park, allowing his more creative players to venture forward while sweeping off the balls before they get to the defence on a regular basis, something that is not present in Arsenal’s current squad.
Daily Mirror: Arsenal hope to beat Everton, AS Monaco and Sevilla to sign Sander Berge, 19.
A Norwegian who has caught the eye at KRC Genk. pic.twitter.com/WPnyaakQbn
— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) June 17, 2017
AS Monaco have already bid adieu to Bernardo Silva and are set to lose more of their Ligue 1 winning side, with Tiemoue Bakayoko one of the most prominent names linked with a summer exit. Berge possesses a similar skill-set and would be an ideal replacement for the player.
Everton on the other hand, also need a long-term option to replace Gareth Barry in the midfield. Idrissa Gueye too has been linked with top clubs all around this summer and the addition of a highly-rated prospect like Berge could further enhance their chances of breaking into the top four.
Arsenal, though, are in genuine need of a holding midfielder. Their inability to seal the deal for N’Golo Kante showed its effects, as the Gunners failed to qualify for the Champions League, something that had become synonymous for the club under Arsene Wenger.
Whyyyyy would this Sander Berge kid be linked to Arsenal?
Hrmmmmm pic.twitter.com/KQGxye7V35— Ted Knutson (@mixedknuts) June 18, 2017
Wenger has been handed an extension and he would be eager to show the fans, who have been critical of the Board, the players and the manager itself in recent seasons, that he still is one of the best managers in business.
Berge is likely to cost £18 million, a price none of the suitors will have a problem in paying for the 19-year-old. Everton have already brought out the cheque books to seal a record deal for Jordan Pickford along with the transfer of Davy Klaasen, while Sandro Ramirez is reportedly close to securing a move as well.
The Toffees are, hence, likely to emerge as the main competition for Arsenal. But, if Bakayoko ends up leaving Monaco, the recently crowned Ligue 1 champions could make a really good case for Berge to move to France instead.
