Gustavo: Arsenal Have Tradition

Gustavo: Arsenal Have Tradition

The most recent name to be linked with a move to Arsenal – Luiz Gustavo from Bayern Munich has been talking to the media about his move away from the Allianz Arena, and believes Arsenal have a lot of tradition, and that they play in a competitive league.

With less than three weeks left for the summer transfer window to shut, Arsene Wenger will try to complete deals for at least one senior player, if not more. The manner in which Arsenal have been beaten by other clubs to their prime targets over wages, is testament to the volatility of the market. A deal can never be sealed until the player signs across the dotted line on the contract. The same happened with Arsenal’s pursuit of Gonzalo Higuain, when the Gunners officials were confident of the Argentine’s willingness to come to London, but was lured at the last moment by Italian giants Napoli. Wenger has also been chasing the signature of want-away Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who has been seeking a move away from Old Trafford. However, Rooney has reportedly made it clear that he wants to join Jose Mourinho’s squad at Chelsea, which is another blow for the Gunners.


Even with all the surplus transfer budgets in place this year, Arsenal have yet not signed a big name, and that will concern the supporters, who expected big deals. However, as we have witnessed in the past, Arsenal are extremely active near and on deadline day. Recently, they signed Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker on deadline day, when nobody expected any deal to be sealed. The club may move for long term target Marouane Fellaini similarly on the last day of the window, but that move will depend on how the saga involving Gustavo pans out.

Gustavo has been in the Bayern squad since 2011, but has not been able to establish his place in the first team. The Brazilian’s active involvement in his nation’s Confederations Cup win in the summer ensured he was noticed by the big clubs.

According to The Evening Standard, Gustavo has spoken about the Premier League and Arsenal’s reported interest.

He said, “The Premier League is a great competition,”

“Arsenal have a lot of tradition. I need a team that has space to play. It’s a delicate situation. I’m looking for the best option, the best decision. I am going to have to play, to stay in shape and carry on being called up [for Brazil].”

Could Gustavo be the first big signing of the summer? Don’t hold your breath…