Arsenal’s DM & CB Crises, £26m Rated Luis GustavoTo The Rescue

Arsenal was reportedly in search of one utility player, who could serve in the two positions where Arsenal has been lacking- the Central defensive and defensive midfield- before the summer transfer window slammed shut last month, but those positions weren’t adequately provided for and now Arsenal is in a laughable situation, conceding 11 goals in 8 League matches, this season. Luis Gustavo of VfL Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga was a regular feature in a list of many players linked to Arsenal at that time. After five summer signings, Wenger was said to be in the hunt of a defensive midfielder to take over that defensive responsibilities from Arteta and Flamini who are both over 30 and also look to replace Captain Thomas Vermaelen, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in the summer, leaving the club with 6 senior team defenders, out of which 2 are injured presently causing a major headache for the supporters. Arsenal had been linked to Gustavo alongside other defensive midfielders, who could also play other positions in the summer but the urgent need for a player with such capabilities became very necessary as a result of the in and out form of Captain, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini, as well as the injury plagued Arsenal defence.

Luis Gustavo, the Brazilian defensive midfielder, who plays for VfL Wolfsburg, is a face in the picture of Arsenal’s search for a utility player. Arsenal was reportedly looking to bring the 27-year-old who was in the Brazilian squad that shamefully exited the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted in their country, losing to Germany and Netherlands in the semi-finals and third place matches respectively. The player has featured for his country 25 times and has one goal to his name and also has four goals in 29 matches in VfL Wolfsburg’s colours. For Arsenal, the most interesting thing in the player’s profile, other than his experience, has to be the fact that, he is a versatile player. Gustavo started his career as a Left Back, but has played mostly as a Defensive Midfielder in Germany. He also played as a Centre Back. Therefore, his addition to the team as a utility player should not be in question.

With a reported £20-30m available transfer fee for Arsene Wenger to spend in January, signing Luis Gustavo would make a very sensible deal as the player is capable of playing in at least 3 different positions for Arsenal. Arsenal scouts have reportedly watched Gustavo on a number of occasions and an Arsenal move for him is very possible considering the circumstances Arsenal have found themselves this last 3 months. With a club valuation of between £20-26m, Gustavo would make a good value to money and this is the kind of deals that Arsene Wenger is known for. Arsenal fans have been furious since the season started despite the manager’s signings last season which was an initial cause of excitement. Arsenal has only won two matches this season and only one of the two victories can be considered convincing-the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Therefore, any attempt to solve the present defensive issues at Arsenal would be embraced by the fans, even if it means expending the whole of the winter transfer budget on just one player-Luis Gustavo.