Darren Bent believes Arsenal would be cautious about signing JJ-Gabriel. He states that if Arsenal were to acquire the youngster from Manchester United, the club would "100%" conduct a background check on his character. Bent also suggests that if a player like Jadon Sancho were to demand a move, Arteta would let him go, and Sir Alex Ferguson would have done the same, as Manchester United would not be held to ransom by a youngster, and talent is always emerging.

"Firstly, Manchester United will not be blackmailed. This club has a deep history and is too big to let a kid who hasn't even played officially dictate its arrangements," said Bent, a former England, Tottenham, and Charlton striker, on talkSPORT, discussing the Gabriel situation.

"This club has developed many talented youngsters. Yes, some have become legends, but many have also fallen by the wayside.

"Social media has a huge influence now, and he already has a large following before even playing professionally. Many people online are constantly praising and hyping him up... but he hasn't achieved anything concrete yet!

"So I think, at his age, on the verge of breaking into the first team, perhaps someone else should manage his social media accounts so he doesn't see all that hype.

"Many times, it's about choices, and his opportunity will come. I really struggle to understand why, at just 15 years old and at the very beginning of his football career, he's making such demands.

"Many more experienced and accomplished players handle themselves much better than he does."

Bent finds it hard to believe that a player who has never played a minute for the Manchester United first team would be involved in such an embarrassing dispute over his future.

"New young players will continue to emerge at Manchester United," he added.

"Football is constantly evolving. We all see the potential in this kid, but there will always be the next talent.

"He is at Manchester United. My son is in the Coventry academy, and I used to play against Manchester United; they have four U12 teams alone, stockpiling young players.

"The club will always find new talents. Having said that, to reach this point before anything has even started is not worth it. If he had already broken into the first team and scored many goals, the situation would be completely different."

When asked if Arsenal would abandon a player if he made a similar move, Bent replied: "I think they would; Arteta would do it, and Sir Alex Ferguson would have made the same choice back then.

"It's a pity, but in the long run, it would be the right decision.

"JJ-Gabriel can't help Manchester United win the league title right now. I dare say a new talent will emerge soon.

"There will always be new stars with the right attitude.

"Arsenal has produced Ethan Nwaneri, whom everyone was amazed by at the time, and Myles Lewis-Skelly; talent is always emerging."

Bent, a lifelong Arsenal fan himself, stated that if Arsenal were genuinely interested in signing the youngster, as recent reports suggest, the club would definitely conduct due diligence.

"They would 100% conduct due diligence," he continued.

"If JJ-Gabriel was moving to Arsenal, Arsenal's first reaction would be to assess him cautiously. They've played against Manchester United and know how good he is.

"They would first ask: why does he want to leave? The club would contact Manchester United directly and inquire about the situation.

"If Arsenal considers signing him, they will definitely call Manchester United to find out what's behind this.

"This is how it works in global football, and it's the same for first-team signings: what is the player's character like? Why are they choosing to leave?"

Reports on Friday claimed that Gabriel had communicated with Paris Saint-Germain before traveling to Spain for talks with Barcelona. As long as Manchester United retains the youngster's registration, the club has the right to prevent him from leaving before the end of the season.

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