Premier League club preparing to make offer for Sheffield United star in the January transfer window | OneFootball

As the summer transfer window approached its latter stages, Brighton & Hove Albion were reportedly targeting Sheffield United midfielder Oli Arblaster as a potential replacement for Billy Gilmour, according to reputable sources such as Football Insider.

The young midfielder, currently a pivotal figure at Bramall Lane, has drawn attention from Brighton’s scouting team, who are eyeing him as their next big signing. Brentford are another team that has previously shown interest in him.

At just 20 years old, Arblaster has shown immense promise, earning a key role in Sheffield United’s midfield. His technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball have made him a standout performer, catching the eye of Premier League clubs.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United and Moussa Sissoko of Watford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Watford FC at Bramall Lane on September 01, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Oli Arblaster has made a great start to the season

Brighton’s interest in Arblaster isn’t surprising, given their reputation for identifying and developing young talent. The Seagulls have built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most progressive sides, particularly in the transfer market, where they’ve consistently unearthed gems.

Despite Brighton’s flurry of new arrivals in the summer, Arblaster has remained on their radar, with reports from Alan Nixon suggesting that they’re prepared to make a move for him in the New Year. But convincing him to leave Sheffield United could be difficult. As a lifelong Blades fan and a player who holds a pivotal role in the squad, Arblaster may not be in a rush to leave his boyhood club and he may want to stay the course of the season to try and achieve promotion with United.

The Unitedite has made a promising start to his first full season with the Sheffield United first team registering two goals across four Championship matches and averaging over two key passes per game.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Ivo Grbic of Sheffield United collides with Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sheffield United at Selhurst Park on January 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Sheffield United goalkeeper to depart

In other transfer news, United have reached an agreement with Turkish side Rizespor for the departure of goalkeeper Ivo Grbic. The player was expected to travel to Turkey over the weekend and undergo a medical, with the move all but finalised, according to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

Grbic, who had found it difficult to secure regular playing time at Sheffield United, will look for more opportunities in Turkey. The Croatians’ time at the Blades has been nothing short of a disaster.

Originally signed in the January transfer window to be Chris Wilder’s number one shot-stopper, countless mistakes and poor performances eventually saw Wes Foderingham be reinstated as the main goalkeeper last term. At the start of the Championship campaign, Grbic began this season as the third choice goalkeeper after the arrival of standout keeper Michael Cooper from Plymouth Argyle.