Could Alexandre Pato relight his fire for Arsenal?

Alexandre Pato: Pointing towards North London?

According to reports originating from Brazil, Arsenal have recently had a £6.5 million bid for Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato turned down. The Gunners are in search for more firepower in the January transfer window, and Pato is one of the names heavily linked with the Premier League pacesetters.

The now 24-year-old Pato was once considered one of the best young talents in the world, before his raw career was littered by injuries. In his six years in Milan, Pato scored 51 goals in just 117 games. The world was at his feet, but the injuries stunted his progress and he has never recovered that form.

If anyone knows how to get the best out of players following lengthy injury lay-offs, it’s Arsene Wenger. However with Arsenal being involved in a demanding title race, is this the right time to introduce a visibly confidence hit Pato?

Pato only joined Corinthians a few months ago, in a £12million deal, but the Brazilian has become much of a scapegoat for his team, following inconsistent performances. A switch to Arsenal would be a new challenge and could resurrect his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad. Pato has netted on nine occasions in his 28 games for Corinthians, but this has not been enough to please the fans.

With 35 successful take ons in 28 games at a 40% success rate, Pato would add a new dynamic to Arsenal. Olivier Giroud has completed just eight take ons in 13 games this season, with a success rate of just 30%. Pato has clear aerial weaknesses, winning just 17 headers this season.

This statistic shows how he may struggle to lead the line for the Gunners as effectively as Giroud. Obviously he would perform very differently to the French forward, but there could be some doubts over whether he is physically strong enough to play as a lone striker in Arsenal’s system.

He clearly has immense potential, with 10 goals in 27 caps for his native Brazil. The forward would have to adapt to the English game, which would not be easy. However the quality is there and at Arsenal the coaching is there. After it appears a £6.5million bid was turned down, it seems a bid of only £8million might be needed to secure his signing.

It would certainly be a risk, but at £8million, it is a risk Arsenal can afford to take, especially with Nicklas Bendtner being the only natural senior centre forward at the club. Giroud is in admirable form, and someone of Pato’s ilk seems suitable to potentially play alongside or second fiddle to the Frenchman.

There may be interest from close by though, with Tottenham reportedly having a £12million bid turned down by Milan in the summer. With Roberto Soldado failing to fire and Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor clearly out of favour, another striker is high on Andre Villas Boas’ shopping list too. Tottenham may be wise to move for a more proven, experienced striker after watching Soldado struggle. Arsenal can afford to make a more patient purchase considering Olivier Giroud’s form.