Whilst fans are excited to see Mesut Ozil play his first game in an Arsenal shirt, I think it’s fair to say that they’re equally bemused about their club’s lack of options upfront.
There’s a clear need to sign a new striker and has been ever since Robin Van Persie left the club. The arrivals of Lukas Podolski (who is more of a winger than a striker) and Olivier Giroud haven’t quite been sufficient. If the Gunners are to challenge for silverware, you get the feeling that they could use another option in this department.
Arsene Wenger seems to realise that too. We know this, because he spent the summer targeting talented strikers like Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez, before eventually splashing £42.4m on Mesut Ozil (how typical!).
Unfortunately, by the time the transfer window slammed shut, the club hadn’t managed to bring in another forward. Arsene Wenger did attempt to sign Chelsea striker Demba Ba on loan, but Jose Mourinho put the mockers on that one.
The Star even claim that Arsenal ‘made a bid to sign’ Belgium forward, Christian Benteke on deadline day. Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, Aston Villa turned down the club’s advances.
I’m not surprised that Arsene Wenger has had his head turned by Benteke. The big man proved his worth last season, where despite being just 22-years-old, he managed to boss just about every defence in the Premier League.
The Belgium ace is a tremendous physical presence, who’s just as strong along the ground as he is in the air, given how difficult he is to shake off the ball and his willingness to run at the opposition.
What’s most impressive, however, is his goal-scoring form. Despite playing for a weak Aston Villa team, he managed to score 23 goals in 39 games during his debut Premier League season. This year, he’s already scored 4 in 4. Who would bet against him bettering last season’s tally?
It’s also worth noting that Benteke handed in a transfer request last season, before changing his mind and signing a new Aston Villa deal. I think it’s fair to say that should a big club come in for him, he’d be tempted by their advances.
Of course, Arsenal would have to go in pretty bid to make a deal happen. He’s Villa’s biggest asset and Paul Lambert won’t let go of the Belgian without a fight. As we know, however, Arsenal have plenty of money to spend and a new-found willingness to spent it.
So, could Christian Benteke be next on Arsene Wenger’s list?
What’s your take? Should Arsenal move in for Christian Benteke?
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