The Arsenal-supporting former Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has urged Eddie Nketiah to join a club like Bristol City or Sheffield Wednesday – instead of his old side.
The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that Nketiah will choose which team he wants to spend the rest of the season on loan from Arsenal ‘within 48 hours’.
And the newspaper listed Aston Villa, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest as options – as well as Wednesday.
But Bent told Talksport on Monday: “I think Aston Villa, they don’t need that (Nketiah) right now. That is a risk. They need someone who can go in there and score goals now.
“(There is speculation about Christian) Benteke and I think that, for me, is the perfect one to go for. I know he’s had a bit of a tough time at Crystal Palace. But I think the Aston Villa fans will get the best out of him, because they absolutely idolised him – he was the best thing ever when he was there.
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“I think if he goes there and he feels that love again, he can start scoring.
“As far as Eddie Nketiah goes, I’d go somewhere like Bristol (City) or Sheffield Wednesday, a good Championship club that have aspirations of getting promoted. Not going to someone like Aston Villa or Norwich that are desperate for wins.”
Nketiah waves goodbye to his previous loan club’s fans. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Sheffield Wednesday have been strongly linked with a move for the Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham, as well as Nketiah.
It remains unclear, however, if the Owls are eyeing deals for Nketiah and Wickham or one or the other, having lost Steven Fletcher to injury since the initial reports emerged.
The former spent the first half of the season on loan to Leeds United, but was recalled by Arsenal at the start of this month due to a lack of playing time.
Wednesday (sixth), Bristol City (ninth) and Nottingham Forest (fifth) are all in contention to join – or even replace – Aston Villa in the Premier League next season.
