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Arsenal have seen a £17.2m bid for Bayern Munich battler Luiz Gustavo agreed by the Bundesliga side according to Goal.com.
The North London club will now discuss terms with the 26 year old, who Arsene Wenger will hope can supply some much needed grit and determination to add balance to a midfield that has more than its fair share of creativity and forward momentum.
Wolfsburg are also said to be interested in the former Hoffenheim man but the need for Champions League football, which will aid Gustavo’s push for a prominent role in the Brazilian national team set-up, would make a move to the Emirates Stadium more likely.
Gustavo started less than half of Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga fixtures last season and saw Javi Martinez regularly get the nod as first choice defensive midfielder under Jupp Heyneckes and there is no evidence to suggest Pep Guardiola will re-think this strategy. Indeed Gustavo wasn’t even named in the Champions League title holder’s squad for their opening domestic league fixture.
The addition of a tough tackling defensively minded midfielder could give the likes of Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta much needed protection as well as time on the ball. It’s also an added bonus that Luiz Gustavo is also adept at filling in at centre-back if necessary.