Aston Villa and West Ham are now keen to sign one of the most precocious talents in the Premier League.
Both the Villans and the Hammers have lofty ambitions for the 2024/25 campaign, with Aston Villa aiming to keep progressing under Unai Emery and prepare for what looks set to be a taste of UEFA Champions League football next term.
In regards to West Ham, the east Londoners seemingly have ambitious plans to replace David Moyes with Ruben Amorim, and will hope to build on yet another season of strong results in Europe.
So, which talented young player are Aston Villa and West Ham hoping to sign? Let’s take a look…
West Ham and Aston Villa want Oliver Arblaster
Well – according to the Telegraph – both West Ham and Aston Villa want to sign Oliver Arblaster.
The Sheffield United No.24 has enjoyed a uniquely special end to the 2023/24 campaign despite the Blades suffering relegation to the Championship.
After spending the first half of the season on loan at Port Vale, Arblaster has impressively worked his way into the starting XI under Chris Wilder, and even wore the captain’s armband in Sheffield United’s last two Premier League outings.
The Telegraph believe Aston Villa and West Ham are keeping a close eye on the England U20 international’s progress at Bramall Lane, and could make a move in the summer transfer window if given encouragement to do so.
Outshone Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United No.37 Kobbie Mainoo is arguably the biggest midfield talent in Europe right now, having already appeared for England after rising to prominence at Old Trafford.
However, Arblaster arguably outdid the 19-year-old recently.
The West Ham and Aston Villa target was described as the “best midfielder on the pitch” by Wilder after Sheffield United’s recent 4-2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arblaster remarkably made seven successful tackles – far more than anyone else on the pitch – along with five clearances and two blocks.
The 20-year-old also completed 82.1% of his passes, as shown by WhoScored.
In regards to Mainoo, the Stockport-born wonderkid didn’t struggle, but failed to make as much of an impact defensively with just one tackle to his name.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Sheffield United could lose Arblaster to West Ham or Aston Villa this summer.
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