Former Everton defender Michael Ball has tipped the Toffees to make a swoop for Sheffield United star Sander Berge, who is a target for Arsenal.
Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, former Everton full-back Michael Ball has claimed that he believes that the Merseyside outfit will make an attempt to sign Sheffield United midfielder and Arsenal transfer target Sander Berge.
Having joined the Blades in January last year, Berge became a regular under former manager Chris Wilder before a serious injury ruled him out of action last December. With Sheffield United then going on to get relegated, the club might have to cash in on some of their big-name players this summer, even though new manager Slavisa Jokanovic claims he is confident of keeping the squad together.
Berge, throughout the summer, has been linked with a move away, with several Premier League clubs taking an interest. Arsenal have been at the forefront of that, although the trail had gone cold recently. But reports last week claimed that the Norwegian international was back on the radars for the Gunners.
At the same time, Everton, too, have shown an interest in the Sheffield United midfielder but are yet to make any move for him. And former defender Ball believes that the Toffees will take a little more time to assess the options currently at their disposal but will launch a swoop for the Norwegian international before the transfer window closes.
“It could be on the back-burner. Everton will want to see how Jean-Philippe Gbamin gets on with his fitness levels and it also depends on the futures of Allan and Andre Gomes, along with Tom Davies possibly.
“I think Everton have probably reached out to all the targets they would like to bring in and found out the financial packages from Sheffield United and the player. It’s a case of whether they can press the button at the right time,” Ball said.
Gbamin has had a torrid time with injuries during his spell at Goodison Park. And, it remains to be seen if new manager Rafael Benitez rates him or the other midfielders at his disposal. A move for Berge, thus, could happen a little later in the transfer window once the Spaniard has gotten a good picture of his options and their futures.
As for Arsenal, it will be interesting to see if they do pursue Berge now that Granit Xhaka will be staying put and signing a new contract. With Thomas Partey picking up an injury in pre-season, there could be room for another midfielder in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
