I'll be shocked if Sheffield United, Ollie Arblaster development involving Brighton happens | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on Brighton's transfer interest in Ollie Arblaster

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster has emerged as a potential transfer target for Brighton this summer.

It has been reported by TEAMtalk that the Seagulls are plotting a move for the 21-year-old.

It’s believed that the youngster is in no rush to pursue an exit from Bramall Lane despite the club’s failure to gain promotion.

However, it’s understood an offer of £20 million could be enough to convince Sheffield United to cash in on Arblaster in the transfer window.

Ollie Arblaster departure claim

When asked about Brighton’s interest in Arblaster, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, claimed he’d be shocked if the player leaves this summer.

He believes the 21-year-old’s injury issues this season, which saw him play just 12 times in the Championship, has paused his development, making a sale less likely than if he’d stayed fit.

“I’ll be shocked if Ollie Arblaster leaves, absolutely shocked,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“Not because he doesn’t deserve it, not because he hasn’t the ability to progress and play in the Premier League.

“I think the injury has paused his development.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s set him back, we won’t know that until he’s back playing again, but it’s certainly paused his development.

“And I think he’s a Sheffield boy, ball boy, captain, Sheffield United fan, I think he will at least give us another season.

“It might not be the case if he’d have played all season and we’d have fallen at the final hurdle.

“If he’d had a full season in the Championship and been a standout player, then I think we could be saying goodbye to him this summer.

“But the fact he’s been injured for the majority of the season, I think that buys us a little bit more time with Ollie Arblaster.

“And, selfishly as a Sheffield United fan, that’s one of the few silver linings I can take out of such a bad situation, and I think Ollie Arblaster will stay at Sheffield United.”

Arblaster’s last appearance in Chris Wilder’s side came on 10 November, with a knee injury keeping him out of the team in the months since.

Arblaster’s injury makes a big money transfer harder to justify

Brighton’s entire recruitment model is built on signing exciting young talent, and Arblaster certainly fits that bill.

However, his lack of game time since November will give them pause for thought, as it will be harder to justify spending big money to sign him now when we don’t know how this injury has impacted his development.

Another year at Sheffield United would be best for the player at this stage, especially as he wouldn’t be guaranteed game time at the Amex anyway due to how deep Fabian Hurzeler’s squad is at the moment.

If he can get back up to speed quickly and have a strong year in the Championship, then Premier League football will surely follow one way or another.