According to Norwegian publication VG, Arsenal remain interested in Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.

What's the story?

The 22-year-old only joined the Blades earlier this year for a club-record fee, and has quickly established himself as a key part of Chris Wilder's side, playing in every single Premier League game this season, including completing the full 90 minutes in the last eight.

Now, VG claim that Arsenal were actually very much interested in signing him before he ended up joining Sheffield United, but that his performances since his arrival at Bramall Lane have "definitely not harmed by his achievements in recent months".

Can he be Arsenal's next Vieira?

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 5, Berge has a lot of similarities to Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira. The Frenchman of course was the captain during the Invincibles era, and led the Gunners to some incredible domestic successes.

Whilst Berge at 22 still has an awful long way to go to get anywhere near that level, he possesses a lot of the same characteristics that defined Vieira's time at Arsenal. Tall, powerful and deceptively good with the ball, the Norwegian has got a game-changing dynamic to his game.

Taste of Football wrote in their analytical report about him: "The midfielder is a massive physical presence in midfield. His ability to shrug off anyone pressing him and almost glide beyond them is a joy to watch. The Norway international uses his strength to his advantage, allowing him to transition quickly from his own box into the final third. But Berge’s game isn’t reliant on his stature.

“On multiple occasions, he is seen skipping past the opposition, either with a flick around the corner or an elegant dribble. Hardly what you expect from such a giant in midfield. Berge also has finesse to his game. Reminiscent of a young Sergio Busquets, a testament to how easy he makes the game look."

And if the Gunners needed any more reason to sign him, then they only have to listen to what Mikel Arteta's assistant, Albert Stuivenberg, said about him. He lauded: "He is already very mature. He is intelligent, reads the game well, and takes the initiative. He has the potential to become a future leader."

Berge has all the hallmarks of a young Vieira, and could be a superb signing for the north Londoners.