Arsenal are reportedly considering lodging an offer for Sander Berge, whose release clause has been reduced from £45 million to £35 million.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Arsenal are one of several clubs that are weighing up a bid for Sander Berge in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old Norwegian midfielder has had his release clause slashed down from £45 million to £35 million following Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League.
Berge has not had it easy since joining becoming Sheffield United’s record transfer after arriving from Genk in January 2020. While he has done well for the most part when on the pitch, his progress was impacted by a long-term hamstring injury, which sidelined him for four months before his recent return.
Till date, Berge has made 31 appearances for Sheffield United, even chipping in with 2 goals and as many assists. However, with the Blades now relegated from the Premier League, the 23-year-old midfielder is expected to depart Bramall Lane this summer, with Arsenal among those keen on signing him.
Arsenal’s interest in Berge makes a great deal of sense, considering Dani Ceballos is unlikely to arrive at the Emirates for a third time, either on loan or permanently. The Spaniard’s departure will open up a space in the Gunners’ midfield unit, one that the Norwegian can fill adeptly.
Considering the 23-year-old has taken to Premier League football quite swimmingly, it is likely that he could be a valuable addition to the Arsenal squad, with the player providing competition to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey in the midfield unit. Apart from the north Londoners, Everton and Liverpool have also been linked with Berge.
Arsenal, though, may have an advantage over their rivals in their assistant manager, Albert Stuivenberg, who worked with him at Genk. And, Premier League’s fallen giants now know how much they will have to pay for Berge, who has a £35 million release clause.
The aforementioned sum has gone down from the original £45 million valuation, and it might not put a major dent in Arsenal’s budget, seeing as Berge’s arrival could sort out their midfield woes. Having said that, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal are open to shelling out the £35 million that is required to swoop the Norway international away from Sheffield United.