Mark Lawrenson: 'Arsenal need Christian Benteke'

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson feels that Arsenal should target Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke in the January transfer window.

The Match of the Day pundit believes that the Belgium international is exactly the kind of player that the Gunners need as they push for the Premier League title.

"If I were [Arsenal manager] Arsene Wenger I'd give Aston Villa whatever they want for Christian Benteke," Lawrenson told The Express.

"What an option he would give them - particularly with the chances they would create for him. Olivier Giroud can't possibly play every game with Arsenal fighting for silverware on several fronts.

"Benteke would share the load, bully defences and give the Gunners the depth up front that they need."

Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League.