Arsenal quoted ridiculous Sander Berge transfer fee

Arsenal Should Move for Sander Berge Only at the Right Price

Whatever midfield pivot, or trio if Mikel Arteta switches to a 4-3-3 shape, is unlikely to excite fans if Berge is starting every week. With Dani Ceballos, Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny either gone already or potentially going, as well as soon-to-be departed Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, solid squad options are essential.

Berge is not the marquee signing to partner Thomas Partey to a top four surge, but he is a talented all-round midfielder who, if at the right price, fits the mould of player Arsenal should be after.

A tall and physically strong option in that department who is young and hungry would suit well, and that he shunned interest from other clubs to join Sheffield United indicates that he was ready to bide his time and adapt to the Premier League.

He will undoubtedly want to remain in the top-flight and word is he’s keen on joining Arsenal, therefore unless he starts pushing for the move himself it’s unlikely that his transfer fee will be dropping soon even if Arsenal want to haggle.

Highly thought of by the recruitment department and Arteta’s assistant Albert Stuivenberg in particular, even the club must know the fees being floated around are beyond their means. Yves Bissouma could cost less.

And given that Arsenal aren’t likely to make Berge a starting option at the club it’s money that must be spent elsewhere.

Any admiration for Martin Odegaard’s close friend has to be tempered by his club’s woeful season. Despite their issues, Berge still sits in the 95th percentile for carries into the final third, as well as the 81st percentile for dribbles completed. A strong interceptor of the ball and someone who likes to tackle high up the pitch (92nd percentile for tackles in the final third), his qualities are clear.

No amount of on the ball No. 6/No. 8 blended qualities can justify £35m, however. If this is the price Arsenal need to call it a day and look elsewhere. Too expensive, move on.