“Kieran Tierney could be pushed by him”- Darren Bent Wants Arsenal To Buy This Left-Back To Compete With Tierney

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent thinks Arsenal should aim to recruit Brentford left-back Rico Henry.

The Gunners have been mentioned in connection with a possible transfer for Aaron Hickey. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Metro), the Gunners are reportedly getting closer to finalizing a deal to get the Scottish player. As a result of The Athletic’s claim that Nuno Tavares will move out on loan this summer, it is expected that he will compete with his countryman Kieran Tierney for the position.

Bent believes that Arsenal is looking for the wrong left-back. He has lavished praise on Rico Henry of Brentford. He has been impressive this season. Bent shared the following with talkSPORT (via Metro):

“Look at, say, Rico Henry. He is a fantastic left-back. Kieran Tierney could be pushed by him. I like Tierney. But he’s going to have to prove he can remain fit if he wants to play for us. Rico Henry is a seven out of 10 every time he suits up for Arsenal. In due time, he’ll work his way up to the top spot there.”

Henry has successfully adjusted to life in the Premier League and has been an important contributor to Brentford’s successful first season back in the top division of English soccer.

The 24-year-old forward played for the Bees in the league on 34 occasions and contributed three goals. He had just renewed his contract with Brentford in March. The new agreement will keep him playing for the club until the year 2026.

The Arsenal transition that has taken place under Mikel Arteta has had an English flavor

Since Mikel Arteta took over as manager of Arsenal in 2019, the club has been in a rebuilding process. It has involved the recruitment of several English players and the graduation of youth players.

Both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe have excelled since being promoted to the first team. They are now playing an important role in the club’s efforts to finish in the top four of the table this season.

Due to his outstanding performance during the season, Saka was considered for the Premier League Player of the Year award. In 38 league matches, the quick English winger scored 11 goals and added seven assists. 

In the meantime, Smith-Rowe has emerged as a breakthrough star for Arsenal this season at the Emirates Stadium. He has played 33 league games and contributed 10 goals and two assists.

Arteta has made some major changes

However, it is Arteta’s decision from the previous summer that has garnered the most recognition. Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White are having lengthy stints in the first team. Both of these players have received significant playing time.

The position of first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, which had previously been held by Bernd Leno, has been taken over by David Ramsdale. He has received accolades for his amazing performances as well as his leadership. In the meantime, White and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed an extremely strong combination at the core of the Gunners’ defensive unit.

At the beginning of the season, the price of £50 million that was paid for the former center back for Brighton & Hove Albion was called into question. However, thanks to White’s strong campaign, the Englishman has been able to show that his critics were incorrect.

During Arteta’s term as manager, there has been an inflow of English talent that might be continued by a transfer for Henry.