Which side has a better chance of getting Pato, Arsenal or Tottenham?

Ronnie Macdonald

Corinthians director Roberto de Andrade has revealed the club won’t rule out selling Pato to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this winter.

The one thing that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have in common right now is the need for another high quality and experienced striker.

The Gunners are resting a lot on the performances of Olivier Giroud in attack with Nicklas Bendtner as back up, while Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas finds himself with the regular choice of either Roberto Soldado or Jermain Defoe.


Considering the experience and calibre Pato still carries around with him in the European game, it could spark a fierce tug of war between the two clubs as they look to get the Brazilian tied down on a long term contract.

“Considering his value, I think it's hard that he moves to another Brazilian club. If those two clubs [Arsenal and Tottenham] are interested in Pato, we don't rule out selling him in the winter transfer market,” Andrade told Radio Bandeirantes.

So which side would be better suited for Pato and which has a better chance of getting him?
Arsenal arguably have the greater chance of domestic success and a move to the Emirates would also enable Pato to play in the Champions League, presuming Arsenal get through to the first knock out round.

What works against Pato going to Arsenal is the current system Arsene Wenger is using, which is based around having one man up front, surrounding that player with the support of the creative and gifted midfielders at the club.

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Money wouldn’t be a problem for the Gunners, they could pay any fee that Corinthians demand and they would be able to put the player onto a decent contract.

What Spurs offer Pato is the chance to become involved in something, which is going to develop and grow significantly over the next few years.

He could find the chance to fir Spurs into the Champions League a very attractive option and he arguably has a greater chance of regular football with Soldado and Defoe struggling to show form in the Premier League this season.

He would be able to play Europa League football for the club but the ultimate ambition for Tottenham is always going to be top finish in the top four and to get back into the Champions League.

He also knows that Tottenham have already tried to get him, which shows that desire Tottenham have in specifically signing Pato as opposed to any other forward.

Tottenham’s spending potential was demonstrated by the £100 million plus that they spent on players over the summer and they already have several players on good contracts.

It’s a difficult one to call because he would do well at either club but Arsenal probably have the edge because of their Premier League position and guaranteed Champions League football, should they make it through to the knock out rounds.