Arsenal, Tottenham in Pato bid

Rio De Janeiro: Arsenal have joined their north London rivals Tottenham in the battle to sign Corinthians and Brazil international striker Alexandre Pato, according to media.

Pato told Brazil`s SporTV that Spurs expressed interest in singing him during the last European summer transfer window on Tuesday. "I received offers. They (Tottenham) called Corinthians, sent a fax, to sign me in the window, but I sat down with the staff, talked with my agent and I told them I wanted to stay," Pato said. According to news website Sambafoot, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sees the 24-year-old as ideal cover for Olivier Giroud and the injured Lukas Podolski. Both clubs are understood to be preparing bids to sign the player during the winter transfer period January. Pato joined Corinthians from AC Milan for 15 million euros January. The move came after injuries limited him to 25 appearances in his last two years with the Italian Serie A club. Despite just eight goals from 24 matches in Brazil`s top flight this season, Pato was handed an international recall for the Selecao`s friendlies against Australia and Portugal last month.