wicked.football

Arsenal will reportedly win the race to sign Sander Berge from Sheffield United this summer – with one pundit tipping the Norwegian to emulate for the Gunners what Jordan Henderson has done for Liverpool.

The Blades raised eyebrows in January 2020 by bringing in the Norway international from Genk. Indeed, he arrived in South Yorkshire having gained Champions League experience with his previous employers. He even played against Liverpool and supposedly impressed Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

However, then-United manager Chris Wilder won the race for the 23-year-old and he impressed.

After signing at the end of January, he played in every Premier League match until the end of the season. Nevertheless, this campaign has proved a challenge for the Blades in more ways than one.

Having now had their relegation back to the Championship long confirmed. Berge’s nasty hamstring injury has added to the club’s woes. Indeed, the midfielder was missing over four months and his absence was keenly felt by the Blades.

Berge has now been strongly linked with a move away from Bramall Lane. Liverpool have been mentioned as suitors, while Everton and Aston Villa are also reportedly keen.

However, a report last week claimed Arsenal were leading the chase and had a big advantage in the race to sign him.

Now pundit Kevin Campbell is backing the Gunners to get the deal done. Furthermore, speaking to Footballl Insider, he claims he’ll prove a great signing for Mikel Arteta’s side.

“Anybody who can come into that midfield and add some bite is welcome,” Campbell said.

“Berge is a good player but he is a great worker. For me, if he is willing to give 100 per cent for that shirt I would take him. The names on the back of the shirt against Villarreal were not enough.

“Arteta needs players that are going to work. Players who are going to graft for the team.

“He may be the type of player who goes unsung but in the scheme of things every team needs players like that.

“Look at Liverpool, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum do not get enough credit for the work they do. But when they are not there you notice it.

“Berge could be like Henderson, and be that type of player for Arsenal.”

Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…

Berge looking for transfer away

Sky Sports News adds that Berge – who is an all-action midfielder who can play in both a holding and box-to-box role – currently feels ‘happy’ at Bramall Lane.

However, he is aware that his future lies away from the Blades if he is to reach his full potential, such as playing in the Champions League again.

Many believe that despite his comfort playing across the midfield, he may end up in central defence.

Arsenal face a crucial summer under boss Arteta after crashing out of the Europa League to Villarreal on Thursday.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta Arsenal sack decision made by Stan Kroenke after EL exit

The post Arsenal tipped to sign ‘next Jordan Henderson’ in huge £35m transfer appeared first on TEAMtalk.