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Albert Stuivenberg has previously hailed Arsenal target Sander Berge

Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
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Arsenal splashed the cash on a new midfielder over the summer, bringing in Thomas Partey in a big-money move on deadline day.

Partey has already shown signs that he can be a star for Arsenal, turning in a particularly outstanding display in the 1-0 win at Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta may want more quality in midfield though, especially with Dani Ceballos only on loan, and they’re being linked with an interesting move.

VG in Norway claim that Arsenal are keen on signing Sander Berge, retaining an interest in him despite missing out to Sheffield United in January.

The Blades paid £20million to sign Berge from Genk, and whilst he took a while to find his best form, he has impressed this season.

If Arsenal do look to land Berge as Partey’s long-term partner, they may well have a not-so-secret secret weapon in Albert Stuivenberg.

Stuivenberg isn’t exactly a big name, but the Dutchman currently serves as one of Arteta’s assistants at Arsenal, and he has history with Berge.

The 50-year-old worked with Berge at Genk, and was quoted by talkSPORT earlier this year as saying that he thinks the Norwegian is ‘very mature, intelligent and a ‘future leader’.

Photo by Jason Cairnduff/Pool via Getty Images

“He is already very mature,” said Stuivenberg. “He is intelligent, reads the game well, and takes the initiative. He has the potential to become a future leader,” he added.

Stuivenberg may well be the reason for Arsenal’s interest in Berge, and Arteta has shown he will trust his coaches having signed goalkeeper Runar Runarsson, who worked with Inaki Cana at Nordsjaelland.

A move for Berge would be very similar, albeit much more expensive – so if Arsenal make their move for Berge in 2021, Stuivenberg may well be playing a huge role.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: A poppy is seen on the shirt of Sander Berge of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on October 31, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images