Tuesday, 30th July, 2013
Bundesliga side Wolfsburg could soon be benefiting from a mutual friend they share with treble winners Bayern Munich, as Brazilian Luiz Gustavo continues to dominate their agenda.
The CEO of car manufacturers Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn, is a busy man, switching as he does between his responsibilities at Wolfsburg and as a member of Bayern Munich’s supervisory board.
Gustavo has spent an impressive two-and-a-half years at Bayern Munich, and the reaction to him being called up to Brazil’s preparatory camp ahead of expectations, proved his value for the Bavarians.
Little wonder that Wolfsburg are eyeing a swoop, with sporting director Klaus Allofs last weekend revealing that contact had been made with the champions.
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Allofs had been coy about whether the approach would bear fruit, but Winterkorn has struck a more positive note.
"What I say is – when a player like him is on the market one should make an effort [to acquire him]", he told Bild. "This applies to Wolfsburg as well.
"To define targets [for the new season] now would be too soon. But I do expect a better season than last year."
Wolfsburg missed out on a European berth by eight points, finishing 11th in the Bundesliga last season.
They would do well to prise Gustavo away from Bayern Munich, but do face competition from bigger clubs, notably Arsenal and Chelsea.
Much will also depend on Gustavo, who has so far indicated he does not want to leave the Bavarians.
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