According to reports from ESPN, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur could be facing up to three Serie A clubs in the race to sign Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato.
The 26-year-old is perhaps best known for his prior spell with AC Milan, where he scored 51 goals in 117 Serie A appearances and was widely regarded as one of the most exciting young strikers in world football.
But injuries severely impacted Pato’s final 18 months at the San Siro, paving the way for a return to Brazilian domestic football in January 2013.
The move has helped resurrect the South American’s career, going on to bag 55 goals in 152 appearances for parent club Corinthians and temporary employers Sao Paolo combined – including 26 strikes this season.
The 5 foot 11 forward is keen to return to European football when his Sao Paolo loan expires in the new year and Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have all been linked over the last few weeks – amid reports claiming his services have been offered to the Premier League trio for £11million.
But agent Riccardo Napolitano has revealed that a return to Serie A in January is also a distinct possibility, with ‘two or three’ Italian clubs courting Pato’s signature.
As quoted by ESPN, he told Italian outlet Calcio Mercato; “Alexandre is back and determined to establish himself as one of the best strikers in the world. We’re evaluating several options for him, he’s a striker admired by many, and he’s completely overcome the muscular problems he suffered in the past few years.
“In Italy there are at least two or three teams among the possible destinations, but, of course, we can’t say any more. The only thing that is certain is that Pato will be the undoubted star of the winter transfer market.”