14th August, 2013
Arsenal has ended up catching the air as its latest transfer target, Bayern Munich’s midfielder, Luiz Gustavo has chosen to go elsewhere.
Latest reports in the German media said the Brazil midfielder is on the verge of joining Bayern’s Bundesliga rivals VfL Wolfsburg, instead of going to North London.
The 26-year-old is under contract at the European champions until 2015, but Wolfsburg, the 2009 Bundesliga champions, are reported to be offering 20 million euros (US$26.5m) for his services. This is $10m more than what Arsene Wenger offered for his services.
Both German magazine Kicker and daily Die Welt report the negotiations are at the final stages with an announcement expected on Thursday.
England’s Arsenal, Russia’s Dynamo Moscow, Italy’s Napoli and even Spanish giants Barcelona all signalled interest in signing Gustavo.
The defensive midfielder played a pivotal role in Brazil’s Confederations Cup victory despite spending most of last season on the bench at Bayern as a back-up to Spain star Javi Martinez.
He would receive only limited opportunities at Bayern this season under new coach Pep Guardiola as he is one of 10 full internationals who can play in the Bavarian giants’ midfield.
A move to Wolfsburg would also see him link up with Selecao midfielder Diego.
Luiz Gustavo missed the first game of the Bundesliga season last Friday with a groin strain as defending champions Bayern enjoyed a 3-1 win at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach.