Arsenal are one of the clubs considering a bid for Sander Berge, whose release clause has been lowered by Sheffield United’s relegation.

Sky Sports News report that Arsenal and Everton are at the front of a host of teams considering a bid for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge this summer. The Blades want to keep their current squad together, but Berge is one that looks set for an exit.

The 23-year-old previously had a release clause of £45m, but Sheffield United’s relegation has cut that clause to £35m – further fueling the interest in him.

Arsenal are said to have an advantage in the race due to assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg’s connection to Berge through their time at Genk. Mikel Arteta admitted in November that his assistant likes the player.

The Norwegian international was then out of action from December to May, after suffering a serious hamstring injury. But he finally returned to the pitch for 45 minutes over the weekend.

With no European football to offer next season (probably), Arsenal may have to settle for signing players for whom just playing in the Premier League would be a step up. Given Sheffield United will be playing in the Championship, that’s true for Berge.