Topics:Â Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal, Neymar, Mikel Arteta, Darren Bent, Football, Premier League
Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has revealed he would prefer to have Gabriel Martinelli over Neymar in his team.
Martinelli is Arsenal's joint top scorer this season alongside Bukayo Saka, as Mikel Arteta's young side eye their first domestic title since 2004.
The 21-year-old has netted four times in his last five matches, proving Arteta was right to tie him down to a new contract at the club. Martinelli put pen to paper over a fresh deal in February, keeping him at the Emirates until 2027.
Advert
The Brazilian led the line during Arsenal's incredible 3-2 comeback against Bournemouth on Saturday which helped restore their five-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City.
Following injuries to Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli has had to occupy the number nine role, just as he did against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.
Bent has been so impressed with the winger that he would pick him ahead of PSG superstar Neymar.
Neymar, now 31, was recently ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an ankle injury.
Amid questions surrounding Neymar's future, Bent was asked who he'd prefer to have in his team.
The former England international told talkSPORT: “Right now, I’d rather have Martinelli because Neymar is out for the season.”
When asked if he would have the same answer three weeks ago before Neymar's injury, Bent admitted his opinion wouldn't change.
“I like our squad now so I’m sticking with Martinelli,” he said. “Neymar in his pomp is unbelievable, but there are just times where things don’t fit.”
Bent later revealed that Neymar wouldn't even get into Arsenal's starting 11.
Martinelli ended a run of eight games without a goal in February, earning praise from his manager.
When asked about the winger's renewed confidence during a recent press conference, Arteta claimed Martinelli's "spark" had returned.
"It's not about that. It's sometimes about momentum, how you are physically and mentally," Arteta said.
"And then goals and performances and winning matches helps every single day. And Gabi the last three games, scored goals."
"He's playing really well and to see that spark again from him is very much needed."
