Darren Bent names the Crystal Palace star he believes Arsenal will try sign this summer

Darren Bent believes Arsenal will be in the market to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise in the summer.

The former Reading starlet has scored four goals and laid on seven assists in his first season in the top flight – form that has England, France, Nigeria and Algeria scrambling to land his services at international level.

At club level, the 20-year-old is thriving after struggling with injury in the opening months of the season having started Palace’s last five matches.

Former Tottenham and Charlton striker Bent has been impressed with his progress this season and believes Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has his eye on him, suggesting Olise perfectly fits the criteria for the sort of player the Spaniard brings to the Emirates.

‘He is certainly the type of player Mikel Arteta will like,’ Bent told Soccer Saturday.

‘We know he likes young players and this kid has really impressed me. For large spells I thought it was just all about Wilfried Zaha and Eze but at the moment he has himself into the team and been sensational.

‘He can go past people, he has a nice range of passing, he can score a goal and his final delivery has been lovely. I think he is a top player.

‘It makes sense – if you look at what Mikel Arteta has done in the transfer market at the start of the season, all the players were 24 or younger. He [Olise] fits that kind of mould.

‘The only thing you would say is where would he play because in those front areas, Arsenal are quite loaded.

‘Someone of that quality, it doesn’t surprise me to see Arsenal and those top sides interested.’

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