Sheffield United interim boss Paul Heckingbottom has rebuffed claims that Arsenal have tabled a £17.2million bid for midfielder Sander Berge.
Reports overseas emerged on Monday that the Gunners, who face Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park tomorrow evening, had put forward a big-money bid for the Norway international following the Blades' recent relegation to the Championship.
football.london understands that Berge, who has missed large portions of this season through injury, is keen on the idea of making a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, especially if the Gunners retain the services of fellow countryman Martin Odegaard, who is currently on loan from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
However, contrary to reports abroad, Arsenal are yet to submit an offer for the former Genk midfield ace, with Heckingbottom confirming that no offers have yet been made.
Heckingbottom, speaking to our sister title YorkshireLive, said: "No, no offers. We know how things work.
"If there is anything happening for our players it's bubbling away behind the scenes until windows open and things can possibly happen, but it is all paper talk.
"Most of the questions you get asked about possible targets never ever comes to fruition.
"Ninety-odd percent of it will never surface. At the minute it is all just rumour and speculation. We've had no bids for our players."
Berge has a £35million release clause in his contract this summer following the Blades' relegation to the second-tier, meaning several clubs will be considering the prospect of trying to trigger that in an attempt to secure him an immediate return to the Premier League.
Berge, who joined the Blades in January last year, is also being targeted by Everton, with Carlo Ancelotti understood to be keen on bolstering his midfield options.
Considering Arsenal are poised to see Dani Ceballos return to Madrid at the end of the season, as well as Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles set to be made available for permanent exits, strengthening the midfield could be one of Mikel Arteta's biggest challenges this summer.
Berge will play no part in the Blades' two remaining matches against Newcastle United and Burnley.
The Norwegian international has racked up just 15 appearances in the Premier League, scoring one goal.
