Former Arsenal and England star David Bentley believes his former club should be making a move for Gareth Bale in January.

Speaking to the 888 Sport blog – https://www.888sport.com/blog – he insisted that Arsenal should be going for the Real Madrid star.

“In the January window they’re going to be struggling to get a concrete, long-term replacement. It’s a difficult market to operate under because nobody wants to release their players. But for me, if there was an option of going for Gareth Bale – who is available and can have an effect long-term – then Arsenal will pay the wages.

“That would put the cat among the pigeons. That would be controversial to say the least. But if you’re looking around the world at the minute for an unknown or a foreign player without Premier League experience then it’s very difficult to get them up to speed straight away.

“There are a few rumours and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was available and £86m would be a snip. Bale can do everything and is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. He’s also commercially good. If they can get him for £86m they can more than manage the £300,000 a week or whatever he’s on. That would be the player I’d target.”

Read the full 888sport interview – David Bentley on why Spurs are rightfully favourites for the derby and are expected to win

“Tottenham have the upper hand at the minute on quality. They are probably the better team. They’ve beaten Real Madrid in recent weeks and the confidence is high within each individual player.

“They’re probably the favourites and they’ve earned their right to be favourites. Arsenal are in a stale period and are having problems with their players. Their top stars are unhappy. So Tottenham are probably the favourites and are expected to win.”