According to Metro, Arsenal are serious about adding a striker to their ranks in the upcoming January transfer window to give French star Olivier Giroud a helping hand in attack, and therefore could add former AC Milan striker Alexander Pato to increase the options available to the manager as they approach the second half of the season with Arsenal at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
The Gunners have had a terrific start to the 2013-14 campaign, and have been consistent in their performances domestically and in the UEFA Champions League. There is a newfound winning spirit in the squad, and manager Arsene Wenger is reaping the benefits of nurturing the careers of players like Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs. The Arsenal squad has gone through a phase of transition, with new players entering the fold, they look a strong unit against the other top teams with new managers. It has been Liverpool who have posed the only real threat to their title surge thus far, but with United beating the Gunners at Old Trafford, they are ready to pounce on any slip ups by the London based club.
Pato is currently plying his trade for native club Corinthians, but has fallen out with the coaching staff, opening the door to a move away from the club. With the FIFA World Cup being played in Brazil next year, Pato will want to cement his position in the national side. With players like Hulk and Neymar playing well for their respective clubs, Pato has a challenge of impressing the national management, and ensuring he is called up to represent his country, and with a move to Arsenal, that could be possible, considering the club’s serious title challenge this season. Also, with Giroud the only consistent striking option available to Wenger, Pato could have a big role to play in the second half of the season. Given Arsenal’s progress in other competitions, the number and frequency of games will increase, giving Wenger a chance to try different attacking options. With Pato in the squad, he could release some pressure off the midfield for goals that has delivered for Arsenal so far.