Why Christian Benteke Would Be a Terrible Signing for Arsenal

This summer, Arsenal could well be on the look-out for a world-class centre-forward.

When examining the reasons they currently trail Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, the absence of a reliable finisher is certainly among them. The identity of that potential purchase remains a mystery.

However, one thing is certain: The club should not be considering Liverpool's Christian Benteke.

The Belgian forward joined Liverpool from Aston Villa last year with big expectations and an even bigger transfer fee. However, the move has not worked out as planned. In 25 Premier League appearances, Benteke has managed just seven goals.

There are certainly parallels with the signing of Andy Caroll, who joined Liverpool for a club-record fee only to find himself sidelined by Brendan Rodgers.

What was strange was that having discarded Carroll, it was Rodgers who oversaw the recruitment of Benteke. The two players are relatively similar in style, and neither seemed to form an obvious part of the Irishman's tactical plan.

Unfortunately for Benteke, the same appears to be the case with Jurgen Klopp. The current Anfield boss prefers a more mobile style of forward, whereas the Belgian is more in the traditional "target-man" mould.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

It seems the German has question marks over his ability too. After the recent 3-2 defeat at Southampton, the Liverpool boss was caught by the cameras haranguing his underfire forward for a glaring missed chance.

Speaking afterwards to BBC's Match of the Day 2 (via ESPN FC), Klopp attempted an explanation:

"

I'm not going to go to him and ask, "Why don't you use the chance?" Sometimes I have to talk to the players -- that's my job.

They are going out to their national team and I don't want to make phone calls with them all. I had a few words to say, that's OK, nothing else.

"

However, it's clear that Klopp is unhappy with Benteke's performances. A player failing to make the grade at Liverpool is not a particularly appealing prospect for Arsenal fans.

The stylistic problem would likely remain an issue at Arsenal. Of the Gunners' current crop of forwards, Benteke is probably most similar to Olivier Giroud—his game is based around aerial prowess and his ability to overpower defenders with his back to goal.

However, Arsenal's game is evolving away from one based on Giroud's more static style. In recent weeks, Danny Welbeck has superseded the Frenchman as first-choice centre-forward. Arsene Wenger is, at long last, returning to an attacking setup based on perpetual motion.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

That would not suit Benteke. He'd make for an effective "Plan B"—but Arsenal already have one of those in Giroud.

If the Gunners are to recruit a new striker this summer, it needs to be one who can be part of their new "Plan A." It should be a player with the versatility to interchange positions with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, and who has the raw speed required to make the most of the intelligent through balls from Mesut Ozil.

It should not be a player who has been a flop at Liverpool, largely because he does not suit that kind of style.

The truth of the matter is that Arsenal need a Daniel Sturridge far more than they need a Christian Benteke.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.