By Steve Stammers
Arsene Wenger has added midfielder Luis Gustavo to his wanted list for next month’s transfer window.
Wenger concedes he needs to strenghten his squad now, after they faded badly following a promising start to the season. And he has been impressed by 25-year-old Gustavo.
The Brazilian has played twice for his country following his £12million move from Hoffenheim to Bayern Munich.
But he has failed to establish a first-team spot with the Germans and is anxious to move.
He and Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes have had several disagreements over his peripheral role – and that has alerted Wenger.
The Arsenal manager had earmarked Abou Diaby for the strongman role in midfield but the France international has once again been plagued by injury problems.
Wenger has been impressed by Gustavo and now wants to add him to his squad if he can agree a fee of around £10m.
Chelsea’s Frank Lampard also remains a target but interim manager Rafa Benitez does not want to lose the England international before the end of the season.
He regards Lampard as a key man in his plans for the rest of the Blues’ campaign and would resist any attempt by the club to let him go in January.
It means Lampard can leave on a free transfer in June but Benitez believes he will be of immense value as Chelsea compete in the World Club Cup, the Capital One Cup, the FA Cup, the Europa League and push for a top four finish in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Arsenal players want manager Wenger to stop making “tired” excuses for them.
