Arsenal favourites to sign Alexandre Pato in January

Arsenal have reportedly been given thumbs up to make a January transfer bid for Corinthians' forward Alexandre Pato.

The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen on strengthening his strike force during the New Year, having had Olivier Giroud handle all the burden at the front this campaign.

Having been unsuccessful in acquiring the services of Liverpool's Luis Suarez during the summer, Wenger is set to explore other options, and the Daily Express claims he will return for the club's long-term target Alexandre Pato, having failed to sign the Brazilian striker from AC Milan last January.

Corinthians are willing to sell the talented striker for a transfer fee of £10m.