Brazilian Luiz Gustavo seems destined to leave Bayern Munich this summer in order to earn a place in Brazils World Cup 2014 squad. Arsenal seem to be leading the race over Wolfsburg and Napoli to snap him up, with a ?17.2million bid accepted by the Bavarian giants.
The 26 year old midfielder is deemed surplus to requirements by Bayern's new manager Pep Guardiola. The arrivals of Thiago Alcantra and Mario Gotze from Barcelona and Borrusia Dortmund respectively will see him further knocked down the pecking order for a midfield berth.
Even last season Gustavo was limited to only 16 Bundesliga starts last season as Bayern won the treble with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez preferred in midfield. But despite being only a bit-part player at Bayern, his performances for Brazil recently and his style of play in general could make him a key asset for Arsene Wengers men.
Sitting deep in midfield, the Confederations Cup winner's key attributes are strength, long and short passing, and he has great positional discipline. His style of play has drawn comparisons with Arsenals former defensive midfielder and fellow Brazilian Gilberto Silva. Like Gustavo, he plays in a hole just in front of the defence. And if Gustavo were to make the move and have the same impact as fellow countryman and former fans favorite Gilberto, he would be held in high regard indeed.
Arsenal have been crying out for a midfielder in the mould of Patrick Viera or Gilberto Silva for years now, and Luiz Gustavo fits the bill perfectly.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG