Few Brazilians knew who Arsenal target Luiz Gustavo was until recently. He is one of those players who briefly played in his country and made his career in Europe. After the Confederations Cup there is surely more recognition to come, but many still see him as the weakest link in Brazil’s midfield. Probably not good enough for a team that wants to lift the World Cup - unlike gifted German Lars Bender, the other target Arsenal had for his position in the team.

Since Arsenal don’t seem interested in winning the Premier League, he should be enough for Arsene Wenger to finish above the dreaded Spurs in the Premiership before making a dignified exit in the quarter-finals of the Champions League once more. He doesn’t make many mistakes, but doesn’t get too many things right either. He does man-to-man working well and has good defensive awareness.

Apparently Pep Guardiola doesn’t think the Brazilian is too special either. He has no problem with Gustavo leaving. His balance could give substance to the Gunner defence, but his passing is nowhere near the pace and precision required in the Premiership. That explains why the Spanish coach didn’t really want him at Bayern. It partially explains why Luiz Felipe Scolari isn’t entirely convinced he should keep his place. Gustavo knows that.

As a player desperate to be in the starting line-up of the home side in the World Cup, he will have to deal with the high expectations of new fans and the prospect of playing at a home World Cup next year. Perhaps it’s wise to expect his best days for after the football bonanza in Brazil ends. Arsenal should know that, take a calculated risk and sign him.

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