Darren Bent urges Arsenal to sign free agent, and get rid of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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Darren Bent has told TalkSPORT that he believes Arsenal should cash in on captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer – and bring in out-of-contract Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani as his replacement.

Aubameyang, 30, has been in excellent form for Arsenal once again this season. He has netted 20 goals in 32 league and cup appearances despite forefronting a struggling Gunners side – taking his overall tally to 61 goals in 97 games.

However, the Gabonese ace is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract. Aubameyang’s contract situation is likely to be one of the most talked-about points of the summer, given the Gunners must decide to sell, or let him go for nothing in a year.

That is, of course, if Aubameyang refuses to sign a contract. Meanwhile, PSG’s sporting director Leonardo has confirmed the Uruguayan will leave the French club on a free this summer – and Gunners fan Bent wants him at The Emirates.

“I’d probably take the next six weeks and try and convince him to stay,” Bent said, “But if towards the end of that six weeks you can’t convince him then you’ve got to try and get as much money as you can [for him].

“I’d look to maybe replace him with somebody who will be Arsenal’s centre-forward for the next five/ten years. But if that person isn’t out there then I’d look at someone like [Edinson] Cavani, who is coming out of contract now at PSG.”

TBR’s view – Would Cavani be a good replacement for Auba?

Three years older, likely to be on a much more expensive contract and unproven in the Premier League – Cavani would hardly be as good a signing as Aubameyang currently represents. But if Arsenal have to sell, Cavani is probably Arsenal’s best bet.

If Aubameyang refuses a new deal, then Arsenal must decide whether to bring in some cash for his signature – which is reportedly around the £30million mark – or keep him for another season and let him go for nothing.

Should he leave, £360,000-a-week (Sun) Cavani would be a good stop-gap replacement – and give both Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah the time to develop and maximise their potential as cover for the 33-year-old.