Paul Merson: 'Chelsea should buy Christian Benteke'

Paul Merson has urged Chelsea to buy striker Christian Benteke from former club Aston Villa this summer.

The Belgian international enjoyed a resurgence under manager Tim Sherwood at the end of the season, scoring nine goals in nine games.

Having ended the campaign with 16 goals in total, Merson believes that 24-year-old Benteke would be a valuable addition to Jose Mourinho's squad at Stamford Bridge.

"Benteke ticks all the boxes," he told Sky Sports News. "That is the one position they definitely need, especially with [Didier] Drogba going.

"I don't think [Loic] Remy is that good. If you played Remy for 10 games I don't think they would win the league. I think the way Benteke plays he could come in for [Diego] Costa like-for-like. Does he not go there because he won't play?

"Well, there's going to be a lot of football matches next season for Chelsea. There are going to be four trophies - you have got the Premier League, FA Cup, Capital One Cup and the Champions League."

Aston Villa are back in action this Saturday when they face Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.