Darren Bent loves Jude Bellingham but wouldn’t swap him for ‘leader’ Martin Odegaard at Arsenal

talkSPORT’s Darren Bent has insists that he would keep Martin Odegaard at Arsenal, even if it meant they’d sign Jude Bellingham.

The latter has already made a huge impression at Real Madrid since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, scoring in all of the competitive matches he’s played for them, including a stoppage-time winner at the weekend.

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His talent has been clear to see ever since he kicked off his career at Birmingham City and aged just 20, there is still more to come.

The midfielder is proving to be one of the best players in world football, but Arsenal fan Bent seems to favour one of his own.

When asked on Drive if he would swap Odegaard for the Madrid star, he said: “Bellingham? I love him, I love him. But the question that was put to me in the pre-show planning meeting was, would I swap Odegaard for him.

“And no, I’m not swapping our captain, one of our influential players. Right at this particular moment, I’d keep Odegaard, thank you.”

His co-host, Andy Goldstein, was left stunned and responded: “Hold on, you own Arsenal, phone goes, ‘Hello, it’s Real Madrid here, do you want to swap Bellingham for Odegaard?’ You would say no?”

Bent was on hand to stick to his word, replying: “I would say no. I’d keep Odegaard. Our captain, our leader. He’s inspirational.”

He went on to add: “I think Bellingham is probably a better player but for where Arsenal are at right now, Odegaard being the captain, I’m not swapping him.”

“Yeah, but not in that position,” Bent replied when asked if he would improve the Gunners. “I’d swap Kai Havertz in a heartbeat for him. I’d play [Declan] Rice, Bellingham and Odegaard.

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“There’s your three, but I’m not going to take the captaincy away from Odegaard and say, ‘off you go.’ I’m not doing that.”

Bent did go on to hail the youngster for his efforts at Madrid so far though, adding: “What Bellingham is doing over there is unheard of.

“I think, this is not a negative, the arrogance to go to that club and almost be like, ‘I don’t really care if that’s Toni Kroos, that’s [Luka] Modric, that’s Vinicius Jr, I’m going to show everyone I’m the main man.’

“Even some of the celebrations, the arms wide open to the fans. I honestly, genuinely hope that he stays at that football club for ten years.”

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