Agent Speaks Out Over Surprise Arsenal & Chelsea Talks For Liverpool Attacker

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Arsenal and Chelsea are linked with Christian Benteke….

The agent of Christian Benteke has responded to reports suggesting Arsenal and Chelsea have been in touch over a shock move for the unsettled Liverpool striker this summer, according to the Express.

Benteke made his name at Aston Villa where he scored 49 goals in 101 appearances for the struggling Midlands clubs over a three year period which earned him a big-money move to Liverpool last summer.

However, the Belgian international has struggled to replicate that kind of form on Merseyside after managing to score just 10 goals in his 42 appearances during his debut season at Anfield.

Benteke fell badly out-of-favour when Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager in October and he ended up starting just 14 Premier League games throughout the entire campaign with just 6 of those coming under the German coaches stewardship.

It’s led to widespread speculation suggesting the 25-year-old will be on the move this summer with Benteke himself recently admitting he’ll be forced to find a new club if he’s not promised more regular game time at Anfield.

Several clubs have been linked with a move for the striker and his agent, Eric Kismet, has now responded to reports linking Arsenal and Chelsea with a shock move for the unsettled Liverpool hitman.

Kismet refused to deny the London duo had been in touch but insists Benteke is focussing on playing for Belgium at the European Championships and will resolve his future once the tournament is over.

Benteke’s agent is quoted by the Express as saying:

“If there have been contacts with Chelsea and Arsenal? Many clubs want the player, it’s obvious. But he is now only thinking to do well in the European Championship.

“He wants to win the competition with Belgium. We’ll think about his future later.”

“Interest from Italy? “There are only rumours, but there was some contacts with Serie A clubs six months ago.

“Now, however, there is nothing. He is currently a player of Liverpool, we will analyse the situation later.”

Arsene Wenger is in the market for a new striker after losing Danny Welbeck for nine months through injury and the Gunners have been strongly linked with Jamie Vardy this week but with that proposed move on hold while the Leicester City man mulls over his future, the Arsenal boss could be eyeing Benteke as an alternative.

Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is expected to be busy in the market this summer reshaping the squad he’s inherited with support for Diego Costa up front likely to be a priority as Ramadel Falcao has gone back to Monaco while Loic Remy is also expected to leave over the coming week.

The Blues have been linked with the likes of Romelu Lukaku in recent weeks but with Everton demanding big money for the Belgian hitman, Conte could be looking to Benteke as a cheaper back-up if they aren’t able to lure Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge.

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However, while Benteke was once regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League, his stock has fallen dramatically at Liverpool so I’d personally be shocked if he ended up joining Arsenal or Chelsea this summer.