Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Luiz Gustavo Bid Accepted? Gunners Also Keen on Geoffrey Kondogbia

Aug 10, 2013 02:16 AM EDT
Santi Cazorla Arsenal Luis Gustavo Bayern Munich
Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla and Bayern Munich midfielder Luis Gustavo fight for possession during their Champions League game, March 13"

 

With a defensive midfielder seen as an essential signing for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, the English Premier League side are being heavily linked with a move for two players adept at playing in that particular position.

While all the attention at the moment might be on the Luis Suarez transfer saga, Wenger has admitted he is also looking at other areas to strengthen before the transfer window shuts on September 2.

Two defensive midfielders to be constantly linked with a move to Arsenal this summer is Geoffrey Kondogbia of Sevilla and Luiz Gustavo of Bayern Munich.

Gustavo is thought to be set for a move away from Bayern this summer, with Pep Guardiola reportedly ready to offload the Brazilian international, owing to the embarrassment of riches already at his disposal.

The midfielder has been also linked with a move to Wolfsburg, but Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently suggested the German side might be too small a club for his client.

Arsenal have now reportedly stepped up their interest and according to reports in Germany are closing in on a deal for the 26-year-old in a bid to beat off competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

According to a radio station in Austria, Bayern have accepted a £14 million (21.7 million) bid from Arsenal.

It remains to be seen how much truth is there in the report, but if it does turn out to be true, it will be seen as a sound signing from Wenger, with Gustavo capable of giving Arsenal that steel in midfield.

Meanwhile, another defensive midfielder reportedly on Arsenal's radar - Kondogbia - is also being heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.

According to Italian website Tuttomercatoweb, Arsenal have registered a serious interest in the Sevilla midfielder and could be ready to trigger his reported release clause of £8.5 million ($13 million).

"We want him to stay here but there are circumstances that could lead to an exit," Sevilla manager Unai Emery said.

Real Madrid are also reportedly keeping a close eye on Kondogbia, but if Arsenal make the first move, the young Frenchman could well be on his way to the Emirates soon.

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