Why Arsenal signing Sander Berge would be a smart move

According to Norwegian media outlet VG (h/t football.london), Arsenal are interested in a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.

The threat of relegation could mean Sander Berge’s departure from Sheffield United, as big clubs such and Chelsea and Liverpool have been interested in him in the past. (h/t Football.london)

Profile

Born in 1998 in Norway, Sander Berge started his senior career as a 15-year-old at Norwegian third-division club Asker in 2013. After just 9 appearances, he was snapped up by Tippeligaen club Valerange in 2015. His big move came in 2017 when he signed for Belgian giants KRC Genk.

The midfielder played in 4 top-flight seasons for KRC Genk and racked up 101 appearances for the club. Sheffield United cashed in on the hype and paid £22m on deadline day for him in January 2020. Berge has also represented Norway at every level from the U-15 to U-21 and already has 23 caps for the senior side.

Sander Berge would be a great long-term signing by Arsenal

At the age of just 22, Sander Berge has made 206 senior appearances for club and country. Playing in a defensive midfield role, he can also play further ahead in central midfield. His versatility and experience at such a young age is the reason Sheffield United paid the money for him.

Sheffield United are staring down the barrel after a woeful start to the season and Arsenal can capitalise on Berge’s wishes to stay in the top flight. Arsenal themselves haven’t had a good start to the season and should not be against adding quality to their squad.

The Gunners have won just 4 out of their 9 league matches. As of now, Arteta trusts Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny to play in the positions that Berge usually does. However, this does not mean that the Spanish gaffer should overlook the Norwegian.

In the 2019/20 season, Berge won 2.5 (69%) aerial duels, 3.0 ground duels, and 1.7 tackles per game. These stats show the defensive midfielder can contribute in set-pieces as well as provide the defensive steel to the midfield when needed.

While not similar in frame, Mikel Arteta’s midfield role in his playing days was similar to the role Berge plays in Sheffield United’s midfield. If the Spaniard can further sharpen the 22-year-old’s skills, Berge could go onto become a top class midfielder. Signing him might not be down to an urgent need, but rather long-term thinking on Arsenal’s part.

Verdict

Arsenal are in no urgency to sign a defensive central midfielder. The club is well stocked with ample cover for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. However, a player like Sander Berge cannot be passed upon. Berge’s potential could be honed at Arsenal in the coming years in order to make him an established starter.

If Sheffield United do make the player available, Arteta should not think twice. At just 22 years of age, Berge can be developed further. The Norwegian has his best years ahead of him and Arsenal would be wise to throw their hat in the ring for him if the opportunity arises.