Sheff Utd compromise gives Arsenal new hope of £35m transfer swoop
Sheffield United could be willing to compromise with Arsenal in the deal to take Sander Berge to the Emirates – but won’t budge on their £35m asking price, a report has claimed.
The Norway international is set to depart Bramall Lane this summer following United’s relegation from the Premier League. Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for him since it became apparent he would be available. As such, they were reported to have made a cheeky opening offer of £17.2m last month. However, this falls well below the Blades’ valuation of the 23-year-old.
Negotiations have failed to progress in recent weeks due to the Yorkshire club’s demands. These include wanting the majority of the fee to be paid upfront.
In the latest development in the saga, The Star now reports United could relax that particular stipulation. Furthermore, they are said to want the deal completed in the early stages of the summer window.
This would allow new boss Slavisa Jokanovic as much time as possible to fully prepare for the side’s return to the Championship.
The compromise would appease Arsenal, who are preferring to spread the fee over the period of the long-term contract they would offer Berge.
There would be some give-and-take, however. As such, the Blades hierarchy want the Gunners agree to reduce or remove any performance-related clauses in the deal.
The report states that no official talks have been held between the two clubs as of yet. However, there is still an open line of communication surrounding the deal and hope remains an agreement can be reached.
Ramsdale given the nod
Meanwhile, Berge’s teammate at Bramall Lane, Aaron Ramsdale, has been called up to the England squad.
Man Utd goalkeeper Dean Henderson is struggling with a hip problem and has now been ruled out. As such, the FA confirmed on Tuesday morning that he’ll play no further part in the tournament.
Ramsdale, who was part of Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for the finals, will take Henderson’s place once he has completed Covid testing protocols.
The 23-year-old is uncapped at senior level and will now join Jordan Pickford and Sam Johnstone as the goalkeepers available to Southgate for the remainder of the Euros.
READ MORE: England turn to uncapped player after Man Utd star ruled out of Euro 2020
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