Defensive Midfielder: Arsenal targets by numbers

Luiz Gustavo

Luiz Gustavo

Club – Bayern Munich

Age – 25

Height – 187cm

Weight – 80kg

League Apps – 22

Value - £8-10m

Tackles p/game	Interceptions p/game	Fouls conceded p/game	Dribbled past p/game	Blocked shots p/game
2.5 (54)	1.5 (33)	1.7 (37)	1.4 (30)	0.1 (2)
Key Passes p/game	Dispossessed p/game	Turnovers p/game	Pass success %	Through Ball success
0.3 (6)	1.4 (31)	0.3 (7)	93	0.1 (2/3)

Luiz Gustavo is a victim to the recent summer acquisitions by new Bayern Munich coach Per Guardiola, and has reportedly been made surplus to requirements by the German and European Champions.

Very much a bit part player at Bayern Munich, used more in a rotational system with Martinez and Schweinsteiger ahead of him in the pecking order.

Gustavo is likely to have a lot of interest in him the top clubs in Europe after impressive displays in the Confederations Cup for Brazil. Very efficient with the ball and a well renowned work horse, adept at playing at Left Back and Centre Back also, Gustavo is quite a versatile player and on paper would be a good fit at Arsenal.

I always have my doubts over whether Brazilians can handle the physicality of the Premier League, but after spending five years in the Bundesliga, I’m confident Luiz Gustavo would be up to the task of English football.

Verdict – I would imagine a lot of interest all around Europe in Gustavo, and for £8m it would be a steal for anyone. Not sure Wenger is particularly interested though.

So there you have it, my choice would be Lars Bender. Who would yours be?