3. Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato is a name that I’m sure all followers of European football will remember. Pato promised so much as a young striker playing for Milan. After being signed from Internacional, having scored an impressive 7 goals in 10 league games, Pato was expected to make huge advances in Italy, which he initially promised to do. However, from 2010-2013, Pato’s career was severely interrupted by injuries, which lead to a loss of form.
Having returned to Brazil with Corinthians (before signing for Sao Paulo on loan), Pato now seems to be regaining his form, and looks ready to put his injuries behind him and move on with his career. It’s no secret that, despite the signing of Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal could do with another striker amongst the ranks for next season. The Gunners were over-reliant on Olivier Giroud last season, and many fans are dreading the prospect of another season with Giroud as their only striking option. Alexis Sanchez, Joel Campbell, Theo Walcott and Yaya Sanogo are all alternatives, though players such as Sanchez and Walcott may not be able to replicate Giroud’s hold-up play due to their lack of physical prowess. Pato, however, would not have this problem, as he is nearly 6 ft tall, and has experience of playing as a lone striker.
A pacey striker with an eye for goal, Pato would be an asset to any Premier League side. Despite currently being on loan at Sao Paolo, the loan could be cancelled for a small fee, leaving the Gunners free to snap him up for a prospective fee of around £10m. Pato would add goals, assists and a pacey option for Mesut Ozil’s through-balls, and as a result Arsenal should certainly consider targeting this forgotten Brazilian gem.