"He is a great player" - Darren Bent claims he wanted Arsenal to sign player heading to Chelsea this summer
Former English international Darren Bent has claimed that he wishes Arsenal had signed Chelsea bound Pedro Neto this summer. The Blues have struck a surprise deal with Wolves to sign Neto for £54 million.
Neto, during his stay in English football with Wolves, has caught the eye with his specific qualities. The 24-year-old is fast and can also get past defenders to whip in crosses into the area.
He is a creative force, as was on display during the 2023-24 season. Despite missing a majority of the campaign with injuries, Neto scored thrice nd provided 11 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
While the Gunners and Tottenham Hotspur were previously linked with Neto, he is heading to Stamford Bridge. Bent wanted Neto to head to the Emirates instead, as he told talkSPORT (via The Boot Room):
"I would have loved Arsenal to have got him. Neto, because he is a great player. But he is going to a loaded Chelsea squad. On that side already, they have got Sterling who plays on the left, they have got Mudryk who plays on the left, and now Neto."
Mikel Arteta already has his hands full with wide players. Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and more are pivotal to the Gunners. Neto, though, could have been a good back--up to Saka.
At Stamford Bridge, Neto will compete with Noni Madueke to play in his preferred right-wing spot. Neto can also play on the left, a side where the Blues have struggled. Neither Raheem Sterling nor Mykhaylo Mudryk has been able to find their best form yet.
Darren Bent urges Arsenal to make surprise move for Chelsea star
Darren Bent reckons Arsenal should land a move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling. Pedro Neto's arrival means Enzo Maresca is spoiled for winger choices. Bent wants Mikel Arteta to pounce on the opportunity.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent claimed that the Blues have a bloated squad and the Gunners should bet on Sterling, who is still only 29. He said (via The Boot Room):
"He's only 29, which means there's more in him. I think I will take him at Arsenal, you know."
Sterling has already played for three top English clubs, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, meaning experience is not an issue for him. The Gunners, meanwhile, bet on Kai Havertz last summer, who has turned out to be a handy player so far. Bent wants the north Londoners to replicate the same with Sterling.