Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to match the £35m buyout clause in Sander Berge's contract at Sheffield United, according to The Athletic.

What's the story?

The Blades will be preparing for interest in the Norway midfielder, who has been linked with a move to a number of clubs already this summer.

Berge has only been with the club since 2020 but has seemingly made a good impression in Yorkshire, with the likes of Napoli, Atalanta, Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa all being credited with interest in landing his signature.

It had previously been reported that Berge's preferred destination would have been the Emirates Stadium, but Sheffield United were reportedly looking to hold out for a fee equating to his £35m buyout clause.

However, the recent report from The Athletic claims that Arsenal are unwilling to match that valuation for the Norwegian, who still has three years remaining on his contract with the Blades.

It's a real boost for Sheffield United's hopes of keeping Berge

Berge made 16 appearances for Sheffield United last season, although his efforts weren't quite enough as they were relegated from the Premier League after a disappointing league campaign.

The midfielder was labelled 'outstanding' by former Blades boss Chris Wilder back in October, and the club's supporters will be eager to see Berge get back to his best this season after an injury-hit 2020/21 campaign.

Slavisa Jokanovic will be looking to guide the Blades back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, and you would imagine that the 23-year-old could have an important role to play for them if he were to remain at Bramall Lane beyond this summer's transfer window.

He posted the best passing completion rate out of any Blades player to start a league match last term, which illustrates how crucial he is likely to be to their future endeavours.

The club's supporters must be buzzing with the news that Arsenal are unwilling to pay the buyout clause in Berge's contract, as that surely increases the Blades' chances of keeping hold of the 23-year-old for the upcoming campaign.

Their Championship season is set to get underway on Saturday 7 August when they take on Birmingham City in what could potentially be a tricky test.

Only time will tell as to whether Berge will be involved in the matchday squad for that clash against Lee Bowyer's side, but after this recent update, it seems more likely that he'll be a Sheffield United player by the time that fixture rolls around.

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