Darren Bent has claimed Arsenal would '100 per cent' conduct background checks on JJ Gabriel's character before making a move to sign the 15-year-old from Manchester United. The former England striker's comments come after Gabriel asked for his registration with United to be cancelled with immediate effect, a request that has sparked interest from several top European clubs.
Background checks and character assessment
'What they'd 100 per cent do is their due diligence,' Bent said on talkSPORT. 'So say he was going to go to Arsenal, JJ Gabriel, Arsenal straightaway would go, "Hold on a second here", because they would have played against Manchester United and seen how special he is.'
Bent, a lifelong Arsenal fan, added: 'First thing they'd do is go, "Hold on a second, why is he going to be leaving?", so they would call up Manchester United straightaway and go: "Alright, what's the problem?"'
Gabriel's rise and the exit request
Gabriel, who has been with United since the age of 11, was fast-tracked through the academy ranks and is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football. He first trained with the first team under Ruben Amorim and was named the Under-18 Premier League Player of the Season last term.
Despite his potential, Gabriel looks set to leave without making a senior appearance. Michael Carrick had reportedly planned to include him in the squad for United's Carabao Cup exit to Brighton, but the decision to field Shea Lacey and Harry Amass in the Champions League victory over Sabah was the 'straw that broke the camel's back' for Gabriel's camp, according to The Sun.
Bent's criticism and advice
Bent criticised the youngster's approach, saying: 'Manchester United can't be held to ransom, first and foremost, they're too powerful of an organisation, with too much history, to allow one kid who hasn't started yet dictate what they want to do.'
He added: 'Listen, social media is a big thing and he's got a massive following before he's even started yet. You're gonna get a lot of guys on social media pumping him up, hyping him up… he hasn't done anything yet!'
'Sometimes it's about decisions and his time will come. I just don't understand that at 15, when you've barely scratched the surface, why you would try and throw demands out like that,' Bent continued.
Interest and potential moves
Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with interest in Gabriel, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be exploring bids. Reports on Friday claimed Gabriel had held talks with Paris Saint-Germain before travelling to Spain for discussions with Barcelona.
United have the power to block Gabriel's departure until the end of the season if they decide to hold on to his registration. Bent remains confident that United will move on, saying: 'There will always be another superstar that comes through with the right attitude.'
