For the last year or so, The Gunners have been hot on the trail of Wolfsburg midfielder, Luiz Gustavo. With Arsenal’s need for a defensive midfielder heating up, could they finally be in a position to close the deal this January?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it. Check out these comments from the player himself:
“I am very happy, VfL Wolfsburg is a great club to play for and I like living in Germany and the German mentality. I feel my future is here and I am able to imagine playing on for many years, because I identify with the city of Wolfsburg. Wolfsburg is a workers’ city, this suits me.” (Source: The Metro)
A cash-rich footballer who only has to turn up to training, the occasional press gig and matches identifies with a worker’s city? That’s an interesting one. Either way, his comments are sure to have been picked up on by Arsene Wenger and co.
To be fair to Gustavo, it’s great to see that he’s adapted so well to another League and that he’s happy with his current lot. As an Arsenal fan however, I can’t help but wish that he was more interested in a move.
The Gunners are smack-bang in the middle of a defensive crisis at the moment. Whilst they’ve got too many options moving forward (top talent like Lukas Podolski, Tomas Rosicky and Joel Campbell are struggling for game time), they lack options at the back. It looks like Arsenal’s lack of defensive stability (and the mounting injuries), will cost the club any chance of winning the Premier League this season.
Worst still, The Gunners’ defensive fragility seems to be affecting their effectiveness going forward. This is particularly true in the defensive midfielder position, where Mathieu Flamini is struggling to make his mark. With both Flamini and Mikel Arteta getting on in years, I can’t help but feel that it’s time to start fishing for new options.
New options like Luiz Gustavo, who looks like a perfect fit for this Arsenal side. He’s an astute defender, but he’s also got plenty of Brazilian flair. He’s the kind of footballer who can win the ball back and set up an attack within a few seconds. He’s a defensive midfielder in the Arsenal mould.
Makes me wonder: could Arsene Wenger persuade him to change his mind and leave Wolfsburg? It’s got to be worth a try!
What’s your take? Should Arsenal give up on signing Luiz Gustavo?
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