Aston Villa's Christian Benteke too good for Arsenal, says Gabby Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor today turned up the heat ahead of Aston Villa's trip to Arsenal after he claimed Christian Benteke can do better than a move to the Gunners.
Villa are set to field a number of enquiries for the Belgium international in the summer after his agent indicated he may leave the claret and blues following an impressive debut campaign since his £7m transfer from Genk.
And while Agbonlahor is keen for Benteke, who supported Arsenal as a boy, to remain at Villa Park he suggested the powerful striker is already a cut above Arsene Wenger's faltering side.
"I think he's good enough for even higher than them. The way he plays with his composure for a big guy, and he has quite a bit of pace as well," said Agbonlahor.
"Many aspects of his game he's at the top and I personally think he can go higher than them. He's still learning his trade here and enjoying his football so hopefully he stays here.
"He's up there with the best. A number of teams in the league would love to have him in their side. He works hard in training and you can tell the fans love him because he is the first name they sing. They have taken to him.
"He's going to get linked with the top clubs, especially because of his age, he's young. He's gifted in what he can do so he's going to be linked with a lot of clubs.
"We will have to wait until the end of the season and what the club decides. It's not for anyone else to decide, it's for the club to decide."
Agbonlahor admitted that even he has been a little taken back by the impact that Benteke has made at Villa having scored 15 goals in 27 games.
"Christian has shocked a lot of people. No-one really knew much about him when the gaffer signed him. He has done so well. He's one of the players of the season, for me, so far," added Agbonlahor.
"Especially coming into the Premier League I don't think many people knew much about him and has done well the way he has adapted.
"A lot of the teams in the Premier League would love to have someone like him in the side. It's going to be down to the club and what their plans are for him."
* Gabby Agbonlahor was speaking to the Express & Star to promote Acorns Day at Villa Park which will be held on March 16 for the visit of QPR. Visit www.acorns.org.uk/acornsday for more information.
