Arsenal are believed to be chasing Michael Olise – and pundit Darren Bent believes the ‘sensational’ Crystal Palace star would be a great fit under Mikel Arteta.
Reports from The Sun last month suggested that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Olise ahead of making a move during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea, Everton, Lille and Bayern Munich were also named in that report, but a move to Arsenal has been tipped by Bent.
Speaking to Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (12/03, 2:30pm), Bent suggested that Olise is showing that he is a ‘sensational’ player at Crystal Palace.
Former England striker Bent praised Olise’s ability to dribble, pass and create chances, believing Arteta will love him as a talented young player.
Bent does though fear that Olise may not play regularly for Arsenal given the competition for places at the Emirates Stadium.
Preferably a right-sided winger or number 10, Olise would be battling with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard for a spot in the starting XI.
Bent seemingly fears Olise would get pushed out with Arsenal ‘quite loaded’ in those positions, but does think Olise has the quality to play for Arsenal.
“He is certainly the type of player Mikel Arteta will like,” said Bent. “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,” he added.
Olise, 20, has recorded two goals and five assists in 21 Premier League games but has only actually started nine of those outings.
Formerly of Chelsea and Manchester City, Olise joined Palace from Reading for just £8million last summer.
Palace may not have used Olise all that much from the start, but would almost certainly be in a position to demand a huge profit.
Arsenal would likely need to move Nicolas Pepe on in order to strike this kind of deal, but Olise will be a name for Gunners fans to keep a close eye on.
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