As 2021 draws to a close for Sheffield United, it’s always worth reflecting on the transfer deals that did and didn’t happen over the course of the year. And one of the biggest deals to not go through, was Sander Berge to Arsenal.
Berge was touted as being a potential signing for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal all summer. Over the course of the window, United played hardball. Reports claimed the Blades wanted £35m for the Norwegian. Quite the asking price for a midfielder who, in all honesty, had not really shown his best, and was struggling with injury.
But with 2022 around the corner and Arsenal looking towards a top four spot, is there a chance that the Gunners return for Sander Berge in January? Well, we’ve assessed those chances, here.
Will Arsenal Sign Sander Berge From Sheffield United in 2022?
In the short term, the answer here is surely a big no. It’s hard enough for clubs to get value for money in the January window, and Arsenal will want to ensure anyone they sign can hit the ground running. With Sander Berge, they’d be taking a huge risk.
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The Norwegian has only just come back into the fold for United. He came on to good effect at Fulham, and before re-injuring himself, had scored against Preston at The Lane. But at the moment, he’s not good enough, fit enough, or consistent enough to be considered an Arsenal player.
Second to that, the Gunners also have some good options in the middle. The signing of Albert Lokonga in the summer has gone well, while Granit Xhaka is back from injury. Into the depths of the squad, and the Gunners also have the emerging Charlie Patino to call on.
That means, as things stand, Arsenal simply have no use for Sander Berge.
Will Sheffield United Sell Sander Berge Eventually?
Being completely honest, we are surprised Berge is still a Sheffield United player. The rumour mill was so rife in the summer, it was almost a given that he was going. Tottenham reportedly offered £17m, while consistent rumours surrounding a move to Italy seemed to be relentless.
However, he has time to really kick on and prove himself now. Of course, he needs to break into the United XI first and foremost. As it stands, Oli Norwood, John Fleck, and Conor Hourihane are probably all ahead of him. Further forward, Morgan Gibbs-White isn’t being dropped any time soon.
Sander Berge simply needs to get back playing football. If he does that, produces excellent performances, and dominates the Championship as we all think he can, then interest from the likes of Arsenal might well return.
But for now, Sheffield United still have an asset on their hands and above all, a quality player on his day.
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