Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Theo Walcott Rumours, Christian Benteke Buzz

Liverpool will make an attempt for Theo Walcott's services should Arsenal manage to sign Barcelona's Pedro this summer, but the Reds' chances of landing Christian Benteke aren't looking bright at present.

According to the Daily Express (h/t The Telegraph), a move for Barca winger Pedro could open the door for Walcott to leave the Emirates Stadium, with just over a year remaining on his current contract.

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Walcott's progress this season has been significantly impeded by injury, preventing the former Southampton star from completing a 90-minute league outing, the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck starring in his place.

However, Walcott remains convinced his team have been Europe's best team this calendar year, quoted by Metro's Tom Oliver as saying of Arsenal's fortunes:

"

I think, especially this season, not many people thought we would be challenging for the Premier League. But in this calendar year we have been the best team in Europe. It is the strongest the squad has been, and everyone is staying fit as well. If we had an injury-free season, I think we could lift the title.

"

Those comments would appear to suggest Walcott still has faith in his current outfit, but the conditions of his £100,000-a-week contract, running out next summer, will inevitably cause some doubt in north London.

Pedro has long been associated with a move to the Emirates, and Metro reported earlier this week the Gunners were eyeing a £24 million offer for Luis Enrique's out-of-favour forward:

Brendan Rodgers is in dire need of some attacking reinforcements after seeing last summer's signings of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert amount to very little, while more may have been hoped of Lazar Markovic.

True or not, Walcott's statement over who he feels has been the continent's best club in 2015 haven't been well received by all, with Football365's Daniel Storey among the doubters:

Depending on price, Walcott could undoubtedly be a useful signing for Liverpool, holding links with fellow England internationals Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson that could bear fruit.

However, there lies an awful lot of ifs, buts and maybes before Wenger is likely to consider allowing the 26-year-old an Emirates departure just yet, especially for a direct rival.

Benteke's Attentions Fixed at Villa Park

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

The grass may seem a lot greener at Anfield compared to Villa Park, but Benteke is keeping his focus fixed firmly in Birmingham, according to the player's agent.

Eris Kismet told Sky Sports News HQ that his client isn't paying attention to the transfer speculation attached to his talent right now, saying:

"

At the moment, there is no interest. Every player and staff member is concentrated on avoiding relegation, anything else is just a distraction. I know everyone wants the same thing because I watch the games and I think Aston Villa are playing the best football in England right now.

"

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Contending with injury absence and a change of manager in the new year, Benteke has been back to his best since Tim Sherwood took over at Villa, scoring seven goals in his last eight Premier League games.

Still just 24 years old, the Belgium international would be a superb option to explore this summer should the Reds be able to offload some dead wood, earning the praise of WhoScored.com's Martin Laurence:

Although Liverpool's defence this season has been superior to that of last term, Luis Suarez's absence has been painfully obvious as the Merseysiders have scored 47 goals in 34 games, compared to their total of 93 goals after 34 outings in 2013-14.

Rodgers enters another summer transfer window bearing a grave responsibility to improve Liverpool's squad depth, with Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe analysing the club's options:

Benteke has become accustomed to operating as a lone striker for both club and country, but Sturridge's injury troubles this campaign have highlighted the need for another elite front man at Anfield.

Villa's survival plight will therefore play a massive hand in deciding where Benteke ends up in time for next season, but the target man's loyalties remain true to Villa Park for the time being.