Manager provides big update on ‘complete midfielder’ who reportedly wants Arsenal move

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Reported Arsenal target Sander Berge is unlikely to play for the remainder of the season as he recovers from a knock.

According to football.london, the Norway international is keen on the prospect of a move to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners this summer.

Berge was an important part of the Sheffield United side that finished in the top half of the Premier League table last season after his £22.5million move in January 2020.

However, the 23-year-old was sidelined for more than four months due to a hamstring injury, and was missed by United as they lost their battle against relegation.

But despite being part of a relegated team, Berge reportedly has a host of suitors who would like to keep him in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of the Everton game, Blades interim manager Paul Heckingbottom told Examiner Live about Berge’s season likely being over.

“Sander has picked up a little niggle in the last game, so we will have to assess him between now and the end of the season, but we won’t take any risk.

“With Sander, let me stress, it’s nothing to do with his previous injury, that’s 100 percent fine, but just the nature of being out for so long and he’s been pushing himself to be back fit.

“He’s played moments in games for us and has picked up natural other niggles that comes along with it. So we won’t be risking him.

“If he is fit, fine no problem, but this stage of the season, where we are and the fact he has been out for such a long period of time and worked really hard to come back we won’t risk him between now and the end of the season.”

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A towering figure at 6ft 4in, Berge’s size gives him a big edge when it comes to protecting the back line as well as winning the ball further up the pitch.

Former United boss Chris Wilder waxed lyrical about the player, telling VG, as translated by Teamtalk: “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.”

Sounds like a great fit for Arsenal, who could certainly do with bolstering their ranks in midfield.

By being rested now, Berge should be able to hit the ground running in pre-season and at the start of the new campaign – but for which club?