The Gunners are desperately looking to acquire a striker this summer after losing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January and Alexandre Lacazette at the end of last season.
While Mikel Arteta's side have already brought in Fabio Vieira who will provide support to the attacking line, it's a traditional number nine that the club are targeting.
Man City forward Gabriel Jesus is the number one target for the north London club, but another attacker who is set to be on the move is Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian star is heading to Inter Milan on a season-long loan deal, but, according to Bent, Arsenal would have been better served trying to secure a move for Lukaku.
Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Bent said: "I'd take Lukaku on loan, 100%. I'd be over the moon.
"I look at Lukaku and I think he wants to go somewhere where he's going to feel most loved, and at Inter Milan he was fantastic.
"He scored a lot of goals and felt the passion from the Inter fans.
"The fact that he's clamoring to get back there and taking a 25 per cent pay cut, it almost looks like he can't get out of this country quick enough."
Asked who he'd rather sign out of Lukaku and Jesus, Bent said: "Lukaku, I would.
"I've seen him score goals regularly. He's in the 100 club!"