The Gunners' reserve team captain returned to Bramall Lane to begin his second loan stint at the Blades in the space of seven months. There was always rumours linking the 19-year-old with a move back to S2 in the summer, and it was really just a matter of time before the centre-back signed the dotted line for a year.
Bartley says he has a few personal aims, in terms of cleaning up the rusty bits of his game, but also to get into the England U21's picture. As for a team, the season see promotion at the end of it as far as the players and staff are concerned.
He said: "I am delighted to be back and am glad it is all sorted. I was more than happy to come back here because I really loved my time last season.
"It was a totally new experience from what I was used to and I can't wait for another taste of the action at Bramall Lane. Arsenal wanted me to come out and get some experience and that was always going to be my aim this season.
"I know what the Gaffer and Sam are about, all the lads are great and being a northern lad means this is the perfect move."
The move to United was briefly halted by a broken collarbone he sustained before pre-season begun. He said: "I broke my collarbone before pre-season started, but managed to do all the fitness work and extra running. Since then I have played in three friendlies so I hope to hit the ground running when the Gaffer selects me."
Bartley also hopes to make a case to be in Stuart Pearce's England U21's setup. He said: "The aim is to go on loan and get myself into Arsène Wenger's thoughts, and if you are playing week-in week-out in the Championship, England Under-21s and Stuart Pearce might start looking at you.
"I have spoken to the lads and the manager at Sheffield United and they are all looking to get promoted this year. I think they have invested quite well."
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