Explained: Ollie Arblaster's contract and transfer situation at Sheffield United | OneFootball

The 20-year-old is gaining a lot of attention for his Blades performances this year, but how will his current contact affect inevitable interest?

Sheffield-born Ollie Arblaster has been one of the EFL's most exciting young players this campaign, and has duly piqued interest from Premier League clubs.

Having joined the Blades in 2010, at the age of six, Arblaster is already looking to be among the club's most successful academy graduates in recent times.

As Sheffield United already looked destined for relegation, the midfielder played almost 1,000 Premier League minutes at the back end of last season, and was handed the captain's armband twice by Chris Wilder.

Already part of the England under-20's setup, Arblaster may eventually join the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker in leaving South Yorkshire for the Premier League's elite.

A big-money move to Brighton is reportedly being lined up. But with his current contract keeping him at his boyhood club for the foreseeable, what would it take to secure the services of the midfielder?

The midfielder is getting regular game-time under Chris Wilder and is a key player for the Blades

Sheffield United find themselves in a tremendous position in that they have an incredibly talented asset who happens to be a fan of the club.

In August, he told The Star: "I was a United fan growing up; this is my club and I want us to be successful."

It is becoming increasingly apparent however that Arblaster's abilities will soon exceed second tier football, and should this likelihood be realised while Sheffield United remain in the Championship, his head could certainly be turned.

It is, however, entirely possible that Chris Wilder's side will return to the top-flight upon this season's conclusion, allowing their graduate more experience at this level.

It seems as though if Arblaster could choose his own fate, it would be captaining the Yorkshire side to regular Premier League safety and beyond.

It would surely take a seriously exciting project to tempt the young lion away from a childhood dream, though, as is so common with the paths of talented players coming through at a lower level, circumstances will inevitably decide.

Could wages be a factor though in regards to Arblaster's future? According to Capology estimates, the midfielder's current four-year contract - that was signed back in February following his return from Port Vale - has an estimated worth of just £2,000 per week.

While this figure is speculative, it is believed to be the second lowest salary currently at the club, behind several similarly aged peers that accrue considerably less game time.

Similarly, looking at the salaries of England Under-20 midfielders currently playing regular Championship football, we can see that the Sheffield native is among the lowest earners.

Admittedly higher profile by virtue of surname, Jobe Bellingham is estimated to command £12,500 per week for his Sunderland services.

Darko Gyabi earns in the region of £5,000 per week between Plymouth and his parent club Leeds United, while Luton's Zach Nelson earns a similar £1,500 per week, though plays nowhere near as many minutes as Arblaster.

If his meteoric rise continues, an estimated yearly salary that merely exceeds six-figures will soon become laughable if it isn't already.

This indicates that unless a renewal occurs within the next few years, knowledge of what he could be earning elsewhere may force Arblaster to push for a move merely on financial grounds unless he gets another new contract

Ollie Arblaster's value is ever-increasing with his Sheffield United performances

Brighton have been touted with a £20 million move in 2025 for the Blades midfielder

While the young midfielder's worth is difficult to quantify, his age, nationality and Premier League experience indicate the figure could exceed tens-of-millions.

Alan Nixon reported via Patreon in September that top flight outfit Brighton are preparing a deal surpassing £20 million to tempt the Blades into a deal to sell Arblaster this winter, which, if true, is a glowing endorsement of his talents.

The Seagulls have previous when it comes to poaching top talent from the second tier with offers too good to turn down - Adam Webster, Neal Maupay, João Pedro and Georginio Rutter have all joined the Sussex side for eight-figure fees in the past five seasons, with seemingly value to be had for the Sussex outfit from the Championship.

They may now look to add Arblaster into that category come January 2025, although you'd imagine Sheffield United do not want to sell at any cost.

It has been a big 12 months for Arblaster, who has gone from battling in League One in a struggling side to getting Premier League footbal, and is now a Championship regular at the heart of a midfield that sees a lot of the ball, and as long as United are doing well and he is starting, the youngster's value is only going to go up.