Man Utd's Bruno Fernandes wouldn't replace 'perfect' Arsenal star, claims Darren Bent

Former England striker and Arsenal fan Darren Bent says he wouldn’t swap ‘perfect’ Martin Odegaard for Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

Norway international Odegaard has enjoyed an impressive season for the Gunners, scoring five goals and making three assists in the Premier League to help Arsenal climb into the top-four.

Bent is a huge admirer of Odegaard and claims Manchester United’s influential midfielder Fernandes wouldn’t replace the 23-year-old at Arsenal.

Fernandes, 27, has scored 35 goals and made 25 assists in 78 Premier League games since joining United from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.

‘Of course, he’s been a very good player for Manchester United, but I’m still waiting for him to turn up when they really need him in those big games,’ Bent said of Fernandes.

Asked by talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein if he was being harsh on Fernandes, who he would surely love to see at his beloved Gunners, Bent replied: ‘No, I wouldn’t – I’ll tell you that right now. No, I would not.

‘Right now, I’d rather have Martin Odegaard with the way Arsenal are playing. I’m taking Odegaard in that role for Arsenal. He’s perfect for what Arsenal are doing right now. I wouldn’t swap him for Bruno.’

Odegaard has also attracted praise from an Arsenal legend this week, with Paul Merson insisting the former Real Madrid player is now ‘one of the best players in the Premier League’.

‘Martin Odegaard has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader Arsenal need to pass their toughest test yet,’ Merson told the Daily Star.

‘He is the main man there now and the first name on the teamsheet for me. He has really improved and is doing the business.

‘I think the players respect him because they can see he’s a real player. I didn’t see it at first, I