Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has a £32.5m release clause that could see him leave the club this summer, it has been revealed in The Sun. With the Belgian international in such fine form, here’s a look at five clubs who should be trying to snap him up after this revelation that he could move for a relatively good price…
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1) Liverpool
Probably the club that needs him most, Liverpool should look to sign the player that helped knock them out of the FA Cup semi-final with a fine display. Benteke would be a big upgrade on the likes of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert, whilst also proving a more reliable option up front than the injury-prone Daniel Sturridge. A striker is what the Reds need after Luis Suarez’s move to Barcelona last summer, and Benteke looks the best-value option on the market at the moment.
2) Manchester United
With Radamel Falcao leaving after a disappointing loan spell and Robin van Persie past his best, there’s no doubt Manchester United could also really do with a new striker this summer. The club can undoubtedly afford a player like Benteke and should be firmly in the running to beat their rivals to his signature ahead of next season.
3) Arsenal
With Olivier Giroud unconvincing again this season, Arsenal are another top club surely in the market for a new signing in attack. Although Benteke may be a little similar to what the Gunners already have, he’s certainly an upgrade on both Giroud and Welbeck in that he looks to have that little bit more composure and confidence to make him a more lethal goalscorer.
4) Chelsea
Although a striker may not be a big priority for Chelsea this summer, there’s some scope for saying the Blues could also do with signing Benteke to provide some competition for Diego Costa, with Loic Remy far too injury prone and Didier Drogba already confirmed as leaving the club after seeing out his year-long contract.
5) Tottenham Hotspur
Outsiders perhaps, but Tottenham should also be trying to sign Benteke for that price. The Belgian would undoubtedly be an upgrade on serial underperformers Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado, and could potentially start up an amazing partnership with Spurs’ own goal machine Harry Kane. If Mauricio Pochettino is serious about getting the north Londoners into the top four, this is the kind of signing the club need to be making.