"He is a Blade through and through" - Sheffield United urged to set firm Ollie Arblaster transfer stance | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on Ollie Arblaster's future at the cliub

Ollie Arblaster has emerged as one of Sheffield United’s most important and exciting players under Chris Wilder.

However, according to Alan Nixon, Brighton are interested in signing the midfielder amid a £20 million price tag set by the Blades.

Arblaster emerged as a regular first team option in the second half of last season as the team endured relegation to the Championship, making 12 league appearances (all stats from Fbref).

He has also started each of Sheffield United’s opening five league games this year, becoming a key figure in the side.

But there is uncertainty over his future, despite having a contract with the club until the summer of 2028.

Sheffield United must not sell Ollie Arblaster

When asked whether the club should consider cashing in on the midfielder, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, insisted that he should not be sold.

He believes that the player won’t kick up a fuss if he doesn’t get a move, and that a sale could only be agreeable if the team’s promotion hopes failed to materialise into a successful season.

“No, we should not be cashing in on Ollie Arblaster at any price, in my opinion,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“It’s easy for me to say when I’m not the owner, and don’t have to balance the books, but I think he is the engine that makes us tick, if that makes sense.

“Everything good that comes from Sheffield United, Ollie Arblaster tends to be involved with.

“He is a Blade through and through, which isn’t the be-all and end-all, but he is somebody that the fans have bought into.

“He loves being here, I don’t think he’ll make it difficult if he doesn’t get a move.

“I think he’ll at least give us this season to see if we can get promoted, and hopefully play in the Premier League with Sheffield United.

“But I would not be selling Ollie Arblaster.

“Obviously it’ll be dependent on where we are at the time, because if we’re mid-table and struggling, not looking like it’s going to be a successful season then we might choose to cash in and use those funds elsewhere.

“But, no, for me he is indispensable.”

Sheffield United league position

Sheffield United have been docked two points for this season by the EFL, but will still be hoping to fight for a top two spot.

The team have won three and drawn two from their opening five games, but only have nine points due to the penalty handed down to them.

Wilder will be looking to guide the club to his second Premier League promotion at Bramall Lane, having also done so in 2019.

Next up for Sheffield United is a home game against Derby County on 21 September.

Ollie Arblaster sale will need to be expensive

The modern reality of football is that clubs will struggle to hold onto players if bigger sides come knocking.

The best way to keep hold of Arblaster is to gain promotion to the Premier League this season, which could see him stick around in the top flight at Bramall Lane.

Otherwise, it’s likely that he will make the jump if someone can meet Sheffield United’s asking price, so they should be planning accordingly just in case.