Arsenal Transfer Rumour: Gunners Target World Cup Star and Wolfsburg Midfielder Luiz Gustavo

Arsenal are considering a move in signing VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo before the transfer window shuts on 1 September, according to the Mirror.

The 27-year-old was part of the Brazil squad during the World Cup on their home soil. The defensive midfielder was linked with a move to the Emirates last summer. However, the deal broke down as the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger could not assure him of regular playing time.

The north London club have Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Abou Diaby as the holding midfielders in the squad. The latter has spent most part of the last few seasons on the treatment table and is not reliable.

The former Everton man is out with injury, while Flamini is trying to impress with his performance as he has continued to struggle. Wenger needs to bring in a player in that position to further strengthen Arsenal's squad for the new season.

The Gunners forward Lukas Podolski's future at the Emirates remains uncertain. The Germany international returned to his club after a holiday following his national side's World Cup success in South America.

Wolfsburg are interested in signing the former Bayern Munich man and Wenger could use Podolski as a bait in bringing Gustavo to the Emirates in the final week of the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old earns £100,000-a-week at Arsenal and Podolski may have to take a pay cut in order to join Wolfsburg. He needs to feature regularly and a return to his homeland could help him get more playing time.

A swap deal between Arsenal and Wolfsburg for Gustavo and Podolski could be blocked by Juventus. The Italian champions are interested in taking the Gunners' forward on a season-long loan.

However, Wenger could be looking to offload Podolski on a permanent transfer and his sale to Wolfsburg will allow Arsenal sign their midfielder.

Meanwhile, the Emirates club host Besiktas in the Champions League play-off and a defeat will end the Gunners' hope of playing in the European competition this season. The first leg in Turkey ended in a goalless draw, while Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey will miss the return leg after picking up a red card in the final quarter of the match in Istanbul.