Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert today told Christian Benteke he needs a reality check and urged him to forget about seeking a transfer to Arsenal or Tottenham.
Benteke wants to quit Villa Park after his 19-goal debut season so he can improve his chances of playing for Belgium next year’s World Cup.
The former Genk forward is dreaming of going to Arsenal but Spurs are also keen to strengthen their frontline with the 22-year-old.
Villa are offering Benteke a new contract and Lambert said: “He’s had one of those seasons where he’s not been injured or suspended, until the last game, and he’s not missed a game or any training. That’s unique.
“He’s only 22 and he needs to remember that he’s got so much to learn.
“He’s only a kid starting out, he’s going to have ups and downs like everybody else. Once he’s played 300 to 400 games then you might start to think [that he’ll move].
“I don’t mind agents at all, but sometimes you need a bit of a reality check. This kid has only been in Britain for 10 months. If somebody wants him now then they will want him in a year’s time. Everyone at Aston Villa loves him.
“We’ve been speaking about extending his contract for the last few weeks but he’s still got three years left.”
Benteke, who joined Villa from Genk for £7m last summer, said: “If Aston Villa say I must stay here, I won’t necessarily accept that.
“I do not in any way want to feel I didn’t get the most out of my career. I try to get everything.
“If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I’m convinced we can reach a compromise.”
