Christian Benteke and the 5 Strikers Manchester City Should Target in January

Manchester City head into Saturday's home Premier League clash with Crystal Palace without a recognised striker, and should be prompted by this to target one in the January transfer window.

According to manager Manuel Pellegrini, per the Manchester Evening News, City "are without [Stevan] Jovetic, [Edin] Dzeko, [Sergio] Aguero" due to injury, forcing him to alter his system at the Etihad Stadium.

Luckily, the club have plenty of options, and Bleacher Report's Rob Pollard suggested "operating instead with a false nine rather than an out-and-out striker."

However, signing a forward in January should be a priority for City, and here are five options to target.

Aston Villa man Christian Benteke finishes off our list, but which other strikers should City pursue?

Jose Callejon (Napoli)

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Kicking off our list is Napoli forward Jose Callejon, whose return to form following a move from Real Madrid has launched his international career with Spain, per Marca.

Callejon has scored 23 goals in 53 league games so far for Rafa Benitez's side.

The 27-year-old is a versatile option capable of operating as a striker and in wide areas and would complement the movement of Aguero in a similar way to Jovetic.

With Napoli struggling 12 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus prior to the weekend's fixtures, City could capitalise on a troubled Partenopei to poach a fine strike option in January.

Wilfried Bony (Swansea City)

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How about a striker who recently made his mark on City in the Premier League?

Swansea City forward Wilfried Bony's excellent, composed finish in City's eventual 2-1 Premier League victory in November outlined just how remarkably he has taken to English football since his move from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013.

With 24 goals in 50 league games for the Swans, Bony is a proven finisher with strength and hold-up play to match that of Dzeko.

However, Bony has recently signed a new contract at the Liberty Stadium, per BBC Sport, and would therefore cost City a considerable amount in January, but his credentials could make him an ideal target.

Jackson Martinez (FC Porto)

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Regularly touted with a move to the Premier League this January, by publications such as the Express, FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez would be an ideal option to bolster City's forward line as a strong, clinical forward who is confident in possession.

Martinez has scored 10 goals in 13 league games so far this season, as well as a further five in five Champions League appearances—this European pedigree could be crucial for City.

The striker wouldn't come cheap, as Eliaquim Mangala's £32 million summer move to City from Porto showed among others, per the Daily Mail.

However, the 28-year-old has every chance of slotting straight into Pellegrini's system at the Etihad.

Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)

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France and Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette is a forward likely to be linked with a plethora of high-end European sides come January, as his form in Ligue 1 demands attention.

Fifteen goals in 18 league games highlights what an exceptional season he is having at the Stade de Gerland.

Able to play all across the forward line, boasting great dribbling and finishing skills and, at just 23, with great scope for development, Lacazette would be a supreme option for City in the upcoming transfer window.

Although Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently told French broadcaster RMC (h/t the Mirror) that "Lacazette won’t go anywhere," a hefty bid from Pellegrini could force his hand.

Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)

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Finally, we round off things with Benteke, who has scored 30 goals in 67 league games for Villa.

Benteke has struggled so far this season with both injury and form but, as evidenced with a goal in Villa's 1-0 away win over Palace at the beginning of the month, is still a formidable prospect when given time to settle.

Furthermore, at just 24 years old, the bullish centre-forward has huge potential for improvement, which would be aided by City's new "£200 million training complex," as detailed by BBC Sport.

Another striker in the Dzeko mould, Benteke would complement City's current strike force while not demanding a period of transition, given his experience in the Premier League with Villa.

Statistics via WhoScored.com.

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