Sheffield United have been handed a potential boost by news that Arsenal are set to press ahead with their pursuit of Brighton’s Yves Bissouma.
Bissouma is being tracked by the Gunners and 90Min have claimed today that Mikel Arteta is now stepping up his pursuit of the Mali star. And while on the surface this might seem like nothing to do with Sheffield United, there is good reason to believe it will.
That’s because Arsenal, as we all know, are monitoring Sander Berge. The Gunners have already bid £17m and seen it rejected. United, meanwhile, are holding out for the widely-reported £35m release-clause.
Berge missed a big chunk of the season through injury. However, he seems to be on the road to recovery, having taken to Instagram this week to show off some of his fitness work.
The Blades are said to be under no massive pressure to sell. But it is widely accepted that if big bids come in, then some key players may go.
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But with Arsenal now moving for Bissouma, this could push their Berge bid down the pecking order. It’s unlikely Arsenal will shell out £30m for Bissouma, and then pay more for Sander.
The Gunners are also being linked with others. Dennis Zakaria and Ruben Neves, two of the names to emerge in recent weeks.
Sheffield United News View: Bissouma to Arsenal surely ends Sander Berge pursuit
Berge is likely to have more than one club interested. But Arsenal seemed to have concrete interest. So, if they’re going all in for Bissouma, then the Blades might be able to breath easy.
Nobody expects Berge to stay put. However, if United can keep him, then what an asset we will have in the Championship. A fully fit Sander Berge tears this league apart. No questions asked.
Obviously, there is a long way to go this summer. But if Arsenal blow their budget here and United keep digging their heels, then we might just get to see the big Norwegian at Bramall Lane again.