Corinthians refuse to rule out Pato sale to Tottenham or Arsenal

A club director has stated that it would be difficult to sell the former AC Milan striker to another Brazilian side, suggesting he could move to the Premier League in January

Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with a January move for Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato. 

The 24-year-old only moved back to Brazil in January 2013 after a five-year spell at AC Milan, but club director Roberto de Andrade opened the door for a potential move to London in the upcoming transfer window. 

Discussing the Brazil international’s future, De Andrade told Radio Bandeirantes: ”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.”

Pato also revealed recently that Tottenham made an approach for him in the summer, but opted to remain with the 2012 Club World Cup champions.

He told Brazil’s SporTV last week: “Tottenham had called Corinthians to ask for my transfer. I sat at the table with the club and my agent and I decided I wanted to stay.”

The two north London rivals have been in fine form so far this season but have just one recognised and fully fit back-up option to starters Olivier Giroud and Roberto Soldado.

Pato, who started his career at Internacional, has scored 16 goals in 51 appearances for Corinthians since joining earlier this year.