'Gonna grill him when I see him': Darren Bent says he'll speak to 'perfect' free agent about signing for Arsenal

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Darren Bent has told talkSPORT that he’ll speak to Jack Wilshere about potentially signing a playing contract at Arsenal.

The Gunners endured a frustrating January transfer window, failing to bring any senior players in last month.

Arsenal made three signings, but two of those won’t join until the summer and the third will start out in the academy.

The Gunners reportedly attempted to sign Dusan Vlahovic, Alexander Isak and Raul De Tomas in the window.

However, they weren’t able to get any of those over the line.

Arsenal also saw 13 players leave the Emirates, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Wilshere has spent the last few months training with Arsenal as he looks to build his fitness before deciding on his next career move.

The former England international hasn’t played professionally since being released by Bournemouth in June.

Mikel Arteta invited him to take part in Arsenal training back in November.

Wilshere has also been working closely with their youth squad in order to help him with his coaching badges.

“He’s training there every single day”

Bent, speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday, expressed his surprise at why the Gunners don’t just sign him.

“That’s another thing I’m thinking,” he said when asked about Wilshere to Arsenal.

“That would’ve been perfect, just get more bodies in there.

“He understands the club, he loves the club, he’s training there every single day, he looks fit.

“I don’t understand why they can’t do some kind of deal – pay-as-you-play or short-term until the end of the season.

“I honestly don’t get it – I’m gonna grill him when I see him.”

There have certainly been some hints regarding the prospect of Wilshere re-signing for Arsenal.

Last month, academy talent Bradley Ibrahim described Wilshere as the “best player in training”.

And last week, the player was spotted with a squad number on his training gear.

Usually, he’d just sport his initials ‘JW’, but he was seen with 12 – which is currently unassigned in Arsenal’s squad.