It is just under a month until the opening of the January transfer window, which is every Arsenal fan’s favourite time of the calendar season.

Arsene Wenger has in the past been rather critical of the mid-season transfer window. Last year he was quoted saying:

"I think it should be all completely cut out or limited to two players because it is unfair for the league. Some teams who have played Newcastle twice already have an advantage on teams who play against Newcastle now when they have bought six or seven players. They do not face the same team.”

I agree with him. However, this season Wenger has to dig into his pockets and gamble, he needs to purchase a quality player, but who?

Poor, poor, Pato

In 2007, Alexandre Pato joined then Champions League winners AC Milan and went on to score on his official debut for the club against Napoli. A great start for the highly promising youngster.

He finished the season with 9 goals in 20 matches. Not bad for a young striker who has just got his first taste of European football. In the 2008/09 season, Pato pushed on and finished as the clubs top goal scorer with 18 goals. This kid is going to be a super star.

In 2009, Pato continued his run of good form and formed a lethal partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Unfortunately for Pato he was unable to complete the season after suffering from reoccurring injuries.

Pato eventually returned to pre-season and even scored against Arsenal in the Emirates Cup, the match finishing in a 1-1 draw. However, Pato was incapable to fully recover and his career nose-dived with persistent injuries. I am sure all Arsenal fans can sympathise with that.

It is psychologically damaging for a player with so much ability to be continuously knocked down. Everybody feared for Aaron Ramsey’s future after his leg break, but a leg break is easier to recover from than on-going muscular problems.

Many people pointed the finger at Pato’s poor warm-up routine, or blaming his lack of muscular growth after his teenage years.

Others have criticised Milan’s fitness staff for not protecting Pato. Arsene Wenger has learned from the mistakes made with Jack Wilshere and has become extra cautious.

Nobody at Arsenal or in England wants Wilshere to be one of those players who can reach unprecedented heights, but slowly withers away because their body can’t handle the modern game every week.

However, that’s what happened to Pato. He had so much potential and ability. He could have been one of the world’s best strikers. Instead, Milan eventually gave up and moved on.

Pato did not even stay in Europe. He was sold back to his homeland and is currently plying his trade at Corinthians. So far he has only managed to score 17 goals in 57 appearances for the club. It must feel like watching Fernando Torres.

Bid from Arsenal

There have been rumours for a few weeks now, but it was reported by several British newspapers today that Arsenal have had a bid rejected for Pato by Corinthians.

The bid was in the region of £6.5 million. A few years ago every top European club would have loved to have Pato in their squad, and now he is subject to a mere £6.5 million from the Gunners.

But is he good enough? Looking at his form, he’s not much of an improvement to Bendtner. However, Wenger is extremely unlikely to find a world class striker available in January unless he bids an extraordinary amount.

Wenger needs cover for Giroud, not a replacement. Giroud’s performances this season have been spectacular and he has been one of the clubs best players due to his superb link up play with the midfield.

Giroud did not have the best of matches against Cardiff, but that is understandable. It is physically impossible to keep up that level of consistency in every single game. Arsenal is highly dependent on Giroud and will need him in the busy December month.

Conclusion

Despite getting jeered by his own supporters for his poor performances, Corinthians seem to have no intention of letting Pato go, especially for such a small price.

Wenger has to either raise his price and gamble on an out of form, injury prone player, or look elsewhere.

It is a difficult one to call because as a football fan you would like to see Pato back to his best and scoring goals again. Could Wenger and his staff be able to bring the old Pato back, despite how frustrating it could be? I don’t know, ask Chelsea.

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