Why Christian Benteke could complete the Arsenal puzzle

With targets like Diego Costa likely to remain at their club’s until the end of the season, top quality players are hard to find in January. However, Arsene Wenger may only have to look locally to find the best option. 23-year-old Christian Benteke could be the perfect fit.

Following his injury at the start of the season, Benteke has struggled to regain his form from last season. However his quality is obvious and with 19 Premier League goals in his debut season, Arsene Wenger will be well aware of that. He is much more than just an aerial threat, with just four of his 19 goals coming from headers, however his strength in the air is an important quality he could add to Arsenal’sgame.

Whilst it still wouldn’t be easy to prize Benteke away from Aston Villa in January, it is certainly more realistic than many other options. Benteke is just 23 and so has plenty of time to improve and adapt to Arsenal’s style of play. It is well documented that he is an Arsenal fan, and would surely jump at the chance at any possibility of joining the Gunners.

‘Arsenal are the club I love, I’m not afraid of making enemies at Villa by saying I love Arsenal.’ Benteke told media back in 2012. He is clearly a fan of the London area as well, telling media: ‘When I joined Villa I didn’t know where they played. I thought they were a London club!’

Last season Benteke managed a 60% shot accuracy, Olivier Giroud’s is only 44% this season. Benteke won 268 headers last season, the second most in the Premier League, with a 57% success rate. Giroud won less than half the amount, just 130. The Belgian is more than just a target man though, being successful with 47% of his attempted take ons last season (23).

Another advantage of signing Benteke is that he would be able to play in the Champions League. Most of the Gunners other targets have already competed in Europe this season, making them ineligible to play for Arsenal in the Champions League.

He may have only recently signed a new contract but his goal drought may have seen his value drop. A bid of around £20million in January would test Villa’s resolve, and there are few better options that might be available in the winter window. He has failed to find the net in his last ten games for Villa, and there are concerns about an ongoing knee problem.

If any move does take place, the medical undertaken would reveal the extent of these problems. He might not be the most glamorous player, but adding someone of Benteke’s quality to an already impressive squad might give Arsenal enough to sustain their title challenge.