MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Sheffield United at Old Trafford on April 24, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Gossip: Seagulls monitor Sheffield United’s Arblaster
Brighton are keeping tabs on the progress of Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster, 21, as he continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. (Teamtalk), external
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“I personally would rather” – Sheffield United: Ollie Arblaster, Sydie Peck exit preference revealed
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’s failure to gain promotion to the Premier League will raise questions over the futures of top stars like Sydie Peck and Ollie Arblaster.
It was reported by the Guardian earlier this week that Peck is attracting interest from West Ham after the Blades’ 2-1 loss to Sunderland in the play-off final.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk claimed earlier this month that Brighton were eyeing a move for Arblaster, despite the midfielder missing much of the season through injury.
Given Sheffield United’s Championship status, the opportunity to move to the Premier League could be quite tempting for either player.
Ollie Arblaster preferred over Sydie Peck
When asked which one player he’d prefer to keep, if given the option, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, claimed he’d like to see Arblaster stay more.
He believes both players have progressed quite well, but that the 20-year-old would be his preferred option to start in the team alongside Vini Souza, if both are fit.
“Really tough question, I rate both players very highly,” Jimmy told Football League World.
“I think Arblaster is slightly in front of Sydie.
“Although Sydie’s had a full season of Championship football now and done very well, his progression has been significant, really, the progression that he’s made across the season.
“But, I personally would rather have Ollie Arblaster return to the side.
“I think if both players are fit to play alongside Vini Souza, then it’s Arblaster that gets the nod and that’s no slight on Sydie at all.
“I’m fully expecting a lot of interest in Sydie Peck, and he may be a player that leaves in the summer.
“Ollie Arblaster, we may have a little bit longer due to his recent unfortunate injury.
“If you were pushing me, I’d say I’d rather keep Ollie Arblaster.”
Sheffield United finished third in the Championship under Chris Wilder last season, missing out on automatic promotion by 10 points.
Arblaster’s injury makes it easier for Sheffield United to keep him
Sheffield United might receive offers big enough to convince them to cash in on both players this summer, so it may not matter in the end what preference anyone has.
But if one is to stay, then Arblaster makes the most sense given his time out with injury.
He hasn’t played since November, and it would be a big risk by someone like Brighton to spend big money to bring him in without seeing how he fares once he’s back to full fitness.
Meanwhile, Peck spent last season developing into a top talent, and a move to the Premier League would not be a surprise after Wilder’s side missed out on promotion.
