Given the strength of Bayern Munich’s squad, it’s perhaps not all that surprising that some of the club’s so-called ‘lesser players’ are looking for new homes.
New boss Pep Guardiola has already considerably strengthened a midfield that dominated just about every opposition placed in front of them last season.
Mario Gotze joined before the former Barcelona boss did, but is sure to play an integral part in Bayern’s future. Then there’s Thiago Alcantara, who has a strong working relationship with Pep and will be given plenty of chances to prove himself at the Allianz Arena.
Their arrivals are sure to squeeze some players out. These are the ‘lesser players’ I referred to, though it’s worth noting that Bayern’s second string players are considerably better than most Premier League first team players.
Luiz Gustavo played 36 games for Bayern last season and 46 the season before, so perhaps it’s a little unjust to label him a ‘second stringer’. But he certainly isn’t held in the same high regard as players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller.
There’s good reason to believe that his place in this Bayern squad is under threat. There’s also reason to believe that Pep may view him as somewhat expendable at this stage.
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already spoken out about the player’s future:
“Big clubs are interested in him. The question is whether Luiz wants to join a club that will sadly not even play [in Europe] next season, or if he wants greater things.”
That’s an interesting quote. So ‘big’ clubs are interested in him, but these clubs can’t offer Champions League football? Hmm.
Regardless, The Star claims that both Arsenal and Chelsea are a ‘step closer to Luiz Gustavo. Whether or not these claims are true, I can’t help but feel that the Brazilian would be a good fit for Arsenal.
The Blues don’t really need any reinforcements, but the Gunners are in desperate need of signing a new defensive midfielder.
Mikel Arteta filled in there last season, but really should be allowed to play higher up the pitch. Gustavo is just better suited for the role. He’s physical and tough and combines this with energy and drive. His presence in the midfield would certainly give opposition players something to think about.
How much it would take to tempt Bayern to sell is unclear. But here’s hoping Arsenal drive ahead any way.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal swoop in for Luiz Gustavo?
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it what we been expectn frm Wenger as a gud replacement 4 Alex song.
This guy is quality! Sign him up Arsene! COYG!!!
I think Luiz will serve as a wonderful replacement for Song.
Seeing as we are pretty well served ‘higher up the pitch’ and in view of the fact that Arteta came top of the stats for the defensive role he played last season I think that leaving him where he is would be the best option. Having said that I think the addition of Gustavo would be a good thing so as too give more options in this defensive midfield role. They are different types of player even though they do a similar job. Arteta relies on guile, interceptions and positional sense ala Makelele whereas Gustavo is more the tough enforcer type. To be able to utilise either or both depending on opposition would be good.
Asernal should swoop in for Gustavo, its even lucky that he revealled he likes the club. Finish it and let us look for another potential defender and a striker within a week or two .