Arsenal Transfer News: 2 Strikers Gunners Can Add On Loan In January

The market for most any top-flight attacking player has stretched high into the stratosphere, as evidenced by Arsenal’s splash move for midfielder Mesut Ozil two months ago.

Boss Arsene Wenger and the Gunners spent upwards of £42 million to bring Ozil from Real Madrid this past summer, and while the move has helped the club’s torrid start to the season, they are still in need of reinforcements for striker Olivier Giroud.

Rather than busting their typically frugal budget, first-place Arsenal can explore two possible options to add some depth to their attack.

With little confidence in Giroud’s backup, Nicklas Bendtner, the Gunners could focus their attention on a second-half loan for Lazio striker Miroslav Klose.

Besides a reasonable fee of roughly £2 million, the 35-year-old might be available with the Serie A club likely out of Champions League contention. The loan would expedite Klose's already anticipated move to England as his contract expires next summer, as reported by the Express last month.

Klose had spent his entire career with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich up until two years ago, when he made the switch to Lazio. Now a trip even further from his native land might be in order, given the success his compatriots Ozil, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker have enjoyed at Emirates.

One concern involves a recent rash of injuries. Klose returned from a month long absence due to injury, and a new shoulder knock kept him out of Germany’s 1-1 friendly draw with Italy, and he will also miss next Tuesday’s friendly with England.

Another player with a rather inexpensive price tag, but just as skilled side, is Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato. Earlier this month, the Brazilian club made it known that if Arsenal or Tottenham wanted the 24-year-old with 66 career goals, they’d have to dispense at least £10 million.

What complicates things slightly is Pato’s contract. Upon his move from AC Milan to Corinthians, a clause was added that promises Pato 40 percent of his transfer fee since he lowered his wage to facilitate the exchange. An extra bit of intrigue involves the idea of Pato turning down a transfer unless it’s for an exorbitant amount that ups his 40 percent rake.

Pato is reportedly frustrated with Corinthians, who are currently 10th on the Brasileirao table and the season winding down. Excellent play in the Premier League could increase his chances, however slim they be, for a spot on Brazil’s World Cup team.