Could Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata boost Arsenal’s title charge?

Let’s make no bones about it, Arsenal need a striker in January. Their form up until this point has been simply sensational, they are playing the best football in the league and in Aaron Ramsey they have the form player in the league. The only real chink in their armour would appear to be up front. If Olivier Giroud gets injured Arsenal are left with two options; go with a false 9 approach a la Spain or turn to Nicklas Bendter. Neither of these seem attractive proposals so a signing of some sort in January would appear to be a must.

The two most obvious options, at least according to the media, would appear to be Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid and Alexandre Pato, formerly of AC Milan currently at Corinthians. Any deal for the former would be a loan; Madrid would not be interested in selling one of their most prized young talents.

The Spaniard is extremely highly thought of within Madrid and before the Classico in October there were arguments for his selection in the big game ahead of Karim Benzema. The Frenchman was in a dire run of form at that point though and he has since picked up, leading to reports that Morata could be sent on loan to get some playing time.

Aside from the 2-0 victory over Malaga all of Morata’s appearances this season have come from the bench and they’ve never been for longer than half an hour. Incredibly his total minutes add up to 200 exactly and given he’s made ten appearances that means he averages just 20 minutes per appearance. Nevertheless in that short time he’s still managed to rack up two goals and created five chances, not bad going at all.

Much like Giroud he uses his height well and he holds the ball up admirably. He’s deceptively quick off the turf and he’s a composed finisher. His work rate is exceptional and if anything were to happen to Giroud he would be a great replacement. The problem lies with whether or not Morata fancies being second choice to a different Frenchman in a different capital. If he thinks he’ll get more game time he might make the move but if not why bother? Of course the other downside of Morata is that he would be cup-tied in the Champions League.

All the way over in Brazil Alexandre Pato is trying to rebuild his career after a succession of injuries and it isn’t going totally according to plan. A missed Panenka in a shoot-out against Gremio made him the villain of the Corinthian fans but he’s slowly starting to win them round again.

Without Corinthians most recent game (a 0-0 draw against Internacional) Pato has nine goals in 28 appearances. He’s yet to register an assist in those games but he has created 13 chances. His conversion rate sits at a healthy 18.8% which whilst far from poor is hardly spectacular.

The problem with Pato is that if Arsenal were to sign him they’d have to change their style when he plays. He’s dissimilar to Giroud and would feel like Arsenal were playing with another attacking midfielder on the pitch, instead of a striker. Of course the other risk for the Gunners lies in the Brazilian’s injury history, which is hardly good. Sixteen injuries in three years is bad going in anyone’s book and there is no guarantee he wouldn’t break down with another long-term injury early in his Arsenal career.

In his press conference before the Hull match Arsene Wenger categorically ruled out signing either player but the Frenchman has proved before he has a brilliant poker face. If he were to unveil either of these players in January it wouldn’t be a total shock. As for which one would work better at Arsenal? That’s simple. Morata is younger, fitter, stronger, a safer bet (only a loan) and he suits Arsenal’s style better, he’s definitely the better choice. A five month loan works well for both parties and then Arsenal can pursue a player better than both in the summer.