Arsene Wenger will refuse to pay the extra £3million that Bayern Munich are demanding for defensive midfielder Luis Gustavo.

Arsenal had apparently lodged a £14million bid for the Brazilian international midfielder earlier on in the week, but Bayern are reportedly holding firm on their £17million valuation.

Less ‘buy’ and more ‘bye’…

Gustavo could be the Gunners’ last hope of a competitive addition to the squad this summer after countless targets have gone amiss. Rooney, Bernard, and now Luis Suarez ignored interest from the North London side.

However interest from Atletico Madrid, Wolfsburg and Napoli – who have already stolen Gonzalo Higuain from the Gunners’ grasp – could spell the end of Arsenal’s interest. Dinamo Moscow are also in the race to sign Gustavo, with the Russian club willing to pay the full asking price.

Moscow’s lack of European football could work against them, with the other clubs all boasting Champions League qualification.

The 26-year-old Brazilian had publicly praised England and Arsenal in particular, claiming the club had “great tradition”.

Gustavo – despite turning professional in Brazil – has made his name while playing in Germany, meaning he does not have the fanbase he needs in his homeland. This means he faces huge competition for international places from better known stars such as Fernandinho , Paulinho and Sandro.

He admitted during his public admiration of Arsenal that he would need to be playing regular first team football should he move away from Bayern, who have brought in Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara to boost their midfield, if he is to make the Brazilian World cup 2014 squad.

Despite his 10 international caps – including the Confederations Cup final of 2013 – Gustavo is not a certainty for his country’s home World Cup squad.

Healthy competition

With Abou Diaby struggling with fitness, Mikel Arteta remains the Gunners’ sole defensive midfield option to provide cover for creative midfield stars Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla. Gustavo would face competition from the Spaniard Arteta but the former Everton man would be able to move forward to accommodate the Bayern man.

Yet Wenger’s famed frugality could yet again see the deal fall through. After £8million in funds were raised from the sale of flop Gervinho to Roma, the necessary £3million on top of the initial £14million seems like a small price to pay.

Especially when there looks to be not many other options on the market.

Gustavo should feature for Brazil against Switzerland tonight.

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