Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Luiz Gustavo Would Be Great Fit with Blues

Chelsea might not be Wayne Rooney or bust after all. It appears there is some interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo.

At least if this report from Dave Kidd of the Mirror is to be believed:

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Chelsea are ready to table a £15 million bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo, writes Dave Kidd of the Sunday People.

Returning boss Jose Mourinho has prioritised the signing of a holding midfield player for the Stamford Bridge club.

He has doubts about John Obi Mikel’s ability to play in that role.

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This move makes sense for plenty of reasons. As Kidd mentions, there is the doubt about Mikel's ability to handle the role.

Chelsea could also experiment with David Luiz in that role, and Rafa Benitez tried it at times last year—however, that is not his natural position. Also, as Wayne Veysey of Goal.com reports, Blues boss Jose Mourinho isn't sold on Luiz in the first place. 

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich has a surplus of midfielders, and losing Gustavo would barely be noticed after this summer arrival of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara. 

As long as Bayern Munich gets a fair price, it would be foolish not to let Gustavo go. He is also at the point of his career where he needs regular playing time.

Gustavo is an athletic and physical player. He would be a nice anchor and presence in the middle of the pitch. Also his defensive-minded play will work well with Luiz—who likes to push up the pitch.

When it comes to tracking back and tackling, few midfielders are as gifted as Gustavo. This would limit the vulnerability of Chelsea when Luiz moves forward, and it will free him to create even more on offense. 

For his part, Gustavo doesn't move forward often; he has a dangerous left foot. 

While £15 million is a big price, the 26-year-old is just moving into the prime of his career, and he could be a centerpiece for years to come. 

Given Bayern Munich's surplus of midfielders, it is surprising that Gustavo isn't getting more attention. Chelsea needs to capitalize on this and snap him up.