Arsenal to rival Tottenham for Sander Berge summer transfer

In the quest for squad perfection, Arsenal have only entered chapter one of a lengthy saga. It’s a case of ‘take your pick’ in terms of where the squad needs improving and bolstering, as no one position is secure or not up for debate.

The same applies in midfield.

Granit Xhaka has just come off the back of 13 consecutive full 90 minute matches, with the options behind him in the case of injury as uninspiring as they are valuable: Dani Ceballos is not an Arsenal player and Mohamed Elneny offers nothing other than the occasional long-range rocket.

After that there is Thomas Partey who is yet to hit top form, or even fitness, with peripheral duo Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles – not that the latter is challenging for a midfield spot – sent out on loan with the prospect of minutes under Mikel Arteta faint at best.

Arsenal to rival Tottenham for Sander Berge summer transfer from Sheffield United

It’s an area of the pitch in need of attention, and perhaps even the most important of all should Elneny be sold and Ceballos’ loan not made permanent. As per Jeunes Footeux, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sander Berge for that exact reason. So too are Tottenham.

Berge is one of few if any members of the Sheffield United squad who can hold his head up after this irrefutably abysmal campaign. Not even a miracle will save them from relegation.

Given that inevitability, some of their prized assets could be available for sale. The Blades’ previously record acquisition penned a four-and-a-half year deal last summer for around £22m, despite interest from clubs across the continent, including Liverpool.

A holding midfield option who is capable of operating as a No. 8, his press evasion stands out as one of his finer traits. A fine carrier of possession, it’s become extremely tough to judge a player entrenched in one of the worst sides in Premier League history.

How good can he be amid a sea of failings and woeful attacking players? The Blades have spent £50m of strikers who’ve combined for one goal in 48 appearances. They’ve won four matches all season and conceded 45 goals. Tough indeed.

It’s key to note that the source is not especially reliable, even if this isn’t the first time Berge’s name has been mentioned with a move elsewhere in the Premier League. However, Arsenal could do far worse in terms of midfield reinforcements.