Sheffield United boss urges club to fend off transfer bids and “build around” Blades ace | OneFootball

Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Arblaster has been scouted by several Premier League clubs since his full Premier League debut against Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old has gained plenty of admirers during his run in the side, and as a result top teams such as Aston Villa and West Ham United are keenly monitoring Arblaster’s progress ahead of the summer transfer window, as per the Telegraph.

Arblaster has made eight straight starts since he broke into the Sheffield United team. His excellent performances eventually led to Blades gaffer Chris Wilder handing the youngster the captain’s armband, which he has worn for the past two games.

Despite having only nine Premier League appearances to his name, the United academy product has given the Blades an injection of energy and positivity which is something they lacked all season long.

The boyhood Sheffield United fan has seemingly made the midfield a lot more competitive since he displaced Vinicius Souza in the middle of the park. He’s also arguably improved the game of Gustavo Hamer who has two goals and three assists since Arblaster’s got a run in the team.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Callum Wilson of Newcastle United shoots to score his team’s fifth goal past goalkeeper Wes Foderingham of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sheffield United at St. James Park on April 27, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder wants to “build around” Oliver Arblaster

It wasn’t that long ago that Arblaster signed a contract extension until the summer of 2028, but the supporters may be fearing the worst as the transfer window nears and links to Premier League clubs start to surface.

Chris Wilder recently spoke to The Star and he strongly stated that Sheffield United have to keep the talented player at the club and “build around him”.

He added: “We understand the fabric of the game and the way the game moves, but certainly, for us it’s ‘career here’ and he understands that as well. He will understand it. He’s a smart boy. He’ll get his head down and knows he has to play well to stay in the team as well. He won’t take any liberties. He’s a humble boy and he’s starting his career. Hopefully it’s a long and successful one at Sheffield United.”

Sheffield United must keep Oliver Arblaster at the club beyond the summer

Sheffield United must know that selling the likes of Arblaster or Hamer would severely hinder their chances of getting promoted next campaign; the two have been standout players for the Blades down the stretch as they continue to build chemistry in the Blades’ engine room.

The club are likely to sell Vinicius Souza and potentially Anel Ahmedhodzic in the summer to help fund a huge rebuild. And Cameron Archer is set to go back to Aston Villa. So it wouldn’t be a case of United needing to sell anybody like Arblaster or Hamer this summer.

If you were to ask fans right now who the first three names would be on the team sheet next season, a large number of people would say: Arblaster, Hamer, and Jack Robinson.