Transfer Centre

Aston Villa, West Ham United keen on Sheffield United prodigy?

By Carter White | 01 May 2024

Aston Villa, West Ham keen on Sheffield United prodigy?

Aston Villa and West Ham United are reportedly considering a summer swoop for Sheffield United's Oliver Arblaster, who has captained the Blades in recent matches.

Aston Villa and West Ham United are reportedly among a number of Premier League sides interested in Sheffield United's Oliver Arblaster.

The midfielder spent the first half of the 2023-24 term on loan at League One outfit Port Vale, where he established himself as a crucial first-team player.

Arblaster was a regular starter for the third-tier strugglers, featuring in 20 league contests up until January, scoring twice and providing one assist.

With an eye to the future - while also as a result of his impressive displays in Staffordshire - the 19-year-old was recalled by Sheffield United during the winter window.

Since then, Chris Wilder has looked to integrate Arblaster into the first-team fold at Bramall Lane, playing him in nine Premier League matches.

Port Vale's Oliver Arblaster in action with Mansfield Town's Ollie Clarke on October 31, 2023 © Reuters

Aston Villa, West Ham considering move for Sheffield United's Arblaster?

According to The Telegraph, a number of Premier League outfits are keen on a move for Sheffield United's Arblaster during the summer transfer window.

Two sides mentioned in the report are Aston Villa and West Ham, who are both preparing for possible European adventures next season under Unai Emery and David Moyes respectively.

Following their 5-1 defeat at St James' Park versus Newcastle United on the weekend, the Blades' relegation to the Championship is now confirmed and it is understood that potential suitors could take advantage to secure the services of Arblaster.

The 19-year-old signed a four-year deal at Bramall Lane in February after returning from his temporary spell at Port Vale, meaning that he is contracted to the Yorkshire club until the summer of 2028.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Blades can retain the services of the youngster next term, especially when considering that Championship football is now a certainty.

Sheffield United's Vini Souza and Jack Robinson looks dejected after Wolverhampton Wanderers' first goal on February 25, 2024 © Reuters

Blades building for the future

Despite having only played seven Premier League matches at the time, Arblaster had the Sheffield United captain's armband bestowed upon him by Wilder when the Blades travelled to Old Trafford on April 24.

With their top-flight fate known for the large part of the season, 56-year-old Wilder is building for a future with the likes of Arblaster at the centre.

Vinicius Souza has spoken bluntly about his hopes of getting into the Brazil senior side and he is not expected to stick around as United operate in the Championship this season.

As a result, Wilder is using the 24-year-old sparingly as the campaign draws to a close, preferring youngsters such as Arblaster and Andre Brooks in the engine room.