Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alexandre Pato, Joel Campbell

Alexandre Pato's decision to start following Arsenal's official Twitter account has created a buzz surrounding the Brazilian's future, with rumours quickly surfacing the Sao Paulo forward may be on his way to north London.

The London Evening Standard picked up the story, noting he has already acknowledged he's not sure whether he'll be staying with Sao Paulo. Speaking to reporters after the 3-0 win over Ponte Preta, he said he hoped he could stay, but that the decision would not be his, per Globoesporte (h/t ESPN FC):

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Asked whether that would be his final match for the Brazilian club, he told reporters afterwards: "I don't know. I think today, tomorrow, I will find out what's going to happen. I would like to stay, but we'll see tomorrow. I have to wait and see. My desire is to stay, but it's not entirely down to me."

Asked about links with Tottenham, he said: "I don't know."

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The 25-year-old was once regarded as one of the top talents in all of Brazilian football and made a big impression when he moved to AC Milan back in 2007, but persistent injury problems have seen his career grind to a halt.

He moved back to Brazil in 2013 and failed to make much of an impact with Corinthians, but at Sao Paulo, he has rediscovered his old form, scoring eight goals in 16 league starts, per WhoScored.com.

Talent has never been an issue for Pato, who usually produces plenty of goals when he's healthy, but the constant string of injuries have taken their toll. He's still blessed with superb technique, vision and finishing ability, but the impressive athleticism that made him such an exciting prospect has taken a hit.

He could be a tremendous value signing for the Gunners, who could use another forward to provide backup behind Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck, as his value has arguably never been lower than it is right now.

But fans probably won't be overly excited to be linked with an injury-prone forward who likely won't start over the current options, as opposed to a world-class option who would instantly make the team better.

With very little time left in the transfer window, it's curious how little speculation there has been regarding the Gunners' plans. Footballl365's Daniel Storey almost feels bad for the fans:

Arsenal are expected to make at least one more signing before the window slams shut on Tuesday, and given the lack of rumours currently doing the rounds, there's a good chance manager Arsene Wenger will once again shock everyone, similar to the deals involving Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck.

Whether a player of that calibre will move to the Emirates remains to be seen, but fans will be hopeful nonetheless. A move for Pato remains unlikely, but at the very least, the Brazilian would add some depth at a position that could use it.

Meanwhile, Turkish Football (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw) claims Joel Campbell could join former Gunners ace Lukas Podolski at Galatasaray, with Arsenal holding out for a £5.1 million transfer fee.

The young forward, who has spent most of his Arsenal career out on loan, has also been linked with a loan move to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, per Infosport + (h/t football writer Robin Bairner).

The Costa Rican international seems likely to leave the club for good at some point in the near future, and he had plenty of fans believing a deal was done when he tweeted a photo of his passport on Monday:

Of course, Campbell will soon be playing in an international match with Costa Rica, so the photo could mean nothing, but it only further fuelled the speculation.

The 23-year-old has failed to make the grade at the Emirates, and while many expected him to claim a starting position after impressing during the 2014 World Cup, Campbell never showed enough in the Arsenal shirt to convince Wenger of handing him one.

It's a shame, but such is life at the highest level of football. While nothing is official yet, a move seems almost inevitable, and it is probably the best for all parties involved.

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