Striker now out of Arsenal options after U-turn

Arsenal will have to end any interest in Christian Benteke after the striker officially agreed to remain at Villa Park today.

Benteke – along with Gonzalo Higuain, Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez – had been among the front-runners of strikers rumored to have attracted an approach from Arsenal but the Belgian’s name will now have to be marked out after signing a contract extension with Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old, who admitted in May that he was eying a move to Arsenal, also went on to withdraw the transfer request he submitted a few weeks ago which had alerted several clubs at the top of the Premier League.

But Benteke’s U-turn has come after a reported pay rise and reassuring training-ground meeting with manager Paul Lambert. After signing the deal which will keep him at Villa Park until 2017, the youngster said:

“I spoke with the manager when I returned to training and we had a good talk. This is a great club and it has given me a lot.” Benteke said.

“I am very happy to be back here in Birmingham and at Aston Villa, and to sign a new contract. This is a great club and it has given me a lot. Now I have to give back to my team-mates and the fans who have always been right behind me.”

In truth, the biggest losers here are Arsenal’s neighbours Tottenham who were very hopeful of securing the services of Benteke, scorer of 19 league goals last season in Villa’s Premier League survival.

Moses - July 19th, 2013 at 12:23 PM

let him develop at villa before thinking of arsenal.

ben - July 19th, 2013 at 12:25 PM

Thought he was a spurs target? Never heard Wenger say he wanted him. Maybe the papers said we did so when he stays or moves elsewhere they can say “Arsenal miss out on yet another target” Or maybe im just paranoid.

Bunburyist - July 19th, 2013 at 12:28 PM

“But Benteke’s U-turn has come after a reported pay rise and reassuring training-ground meeting with manager Paul Lambert.”

===

And, by “reassuring,” you mean Lambert told him, “look, nobody called.”

Striker makes public his desire to leave, puts himself in shop window by moaning about his existing club, then listens to the crickets chirping. Epic fail.

Randy Osae - July 19th, 2013 at 12:30 PM

hahaha 😀 Close to the truth.

Tom - July 19th, 2013 at 12:29 PM

You arrogant bastard

Alan - July 19th, 2013 at 12:38 PM

Oh well , loser spuds, you still have adebayor for the Happy Thursdays cup And de foe .

tammy pepple - July 19th, 2013 at 12:59 PM

These players, they’re all the same… He never remembered the club had given him a lot before putting in a transfer request eh? Now he has been humbled by the deafening silence from all clubs, and all of a sudden, he remembers Aston Villa has given him a lot? Who does he think he is, Rooney? I’m having a laugh… I guess he realised that clubs are scared of disloyal players.

tammy pepple - July 19th, 2013 at 1:02 PM

Yes I forgot to add=> “YOU ARROGANT BASTARD”

wandera wilson - July 19th, 2013 at 1:36 PM

Benteke can remain to Villa to develop his carrier as he is not proven yet

jjjj - July 19th, 2013 at 2:07 PM

hhhhhh

tom t - July 19th, 2013 at 2:28 PM

A proper striker going to arsenal?? Behave! I’m sure you guys will sign another french no hoper!!

Bunburyist - July 19th, 2013 at 2:44 PM

What? We’ve learned our lesson, and would never, ever sign a young French player from Auxerre with a horrendous injury record. So you can just sod off!