Alexandre Pato returned to his native Brazil earlier this year after growing disillusioned with life in Italy. The former AC Milan forward, who spent five and a half seasons at the San Siro, chose to return to Brazil after signing a four-year deal in January with Corinthians, who had to shell out £12 million for his services.

The 24-year-old was earmarked to be the next big thing in world football, and his initial performances for Milan were nothing short of impressive. However, his form took a nosedive after the 2011-12 season, and he headed for the exit but not before he had notched up an impressive 51 league goals in 117 league appearances.

Pato’s transfer back to his native homeland galvanised him as he had his eyes set on featuring for Brazil in next summer’s World Cup. He scored on his debut with his first touch, and scored 10 league goals in just 16 games for his new side.

However, he has failed to impress lately and has actually been booed by his own fans in recent matches. He failed to find the back of the net in a penalty shootout against Gremio in the Copa Do Brazil in October, and he was subsequently jeered as Corinthians crashed out of the tournament.

After starting just three out of the club’s last eleven league matches, Pato is being linked with a return back to Europe in the January transfer window after just a year at the Timao.

According to Metro, Arsenal have been credited as having an interest in Pato, nicknamed the Duck, and have already bid for his services as Wenger looks to shore up his striking options for the second half of the season.

However, the report states that Arsenal have had their £6.5 bid rejected by Corinthians, who are holding out for close to the £12 million they paid for the Brazil international a year ago.

Wenger has identified Pato as the perfect cover should lone frontman Olivier Giroud get injured. The Gunners are four points clear at the top of the Premier League table and it is no secret that Wenger wants an additional striker in January even though he says otherwise.

Do you think Wenger should increase his bid and go for Pato this January?