Chelsea Transfer News: Luiz Gustavo Would Be Solid Signing at Right Price

Bayern Munich director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said that Luiz Gustavo is free to leave the club if he so chooses, according to the Metro.

Rummenigge said, via the report: "If Luiz can agree terms with another club, we will negotiate a fee for him to leave. If he goes, we will not be buying a replacement."

As Charles Perrin of the Express reported last week, Chelsea, Arsenal and Wolfsburg have been pursuing the 26-year-old this transfer window. Given the state of Arsenal lately and the pressure on Arsene Wenger's shoulders to sign new players, you would think the Gunners are the most interested.

It's important that the Blues don't get into a bidding war with Arsenal, or Wolfsburg for that matter.

While Gustavo is a solid player who helped Bayern to the Bundesliga title last season, he's not worth more than the reported £15 million selling price (while the Metro notes an £8 million transfer may be possible, that doesn't seem to be a realistic fee).

It wouldn't be out of the question for a club like Arsenal to over-bid for Gustavo as the transfer window begins to close. And, given the talent level of Gustavo, it's also possible that Chelsea will chase after the youngster.

The general discontent with Mikel at Chelsea may have fans clamoring for the Blues to obtain a player like Gustavo by all means necessary. And while Chelsea fans may be justified in worrying about Mikel, it's also important to harness the energy to a degree.

If Chelsea can get Gustavo for £15 million, it could be considered a bargain. On the other hand, if the selling price strays too far above that value, Chelsea shouldn't pull the trigger.

Sometimes you have to swallow your pride, even if it means losing a player. In the end, over-valuing players can hurt your club, and pocketbook, down the road. 

The Blues are in position to go after the Premier League crown next season. They may not be  favorites, but they are in position. Landing Gustavo would help them, but it wouldn't be a game-changer in the same way the signing of Wayne Rooney would be. 

As Chelsea prepares for the next campaign, it must be careful not to fall into the trap so many clubs fall into—that is, spending just to spend with the transfer window closing.

The Blues can't be feeling too swell after the 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup, but making a brash decision just based on that loss is the wrong way to go.

Not only were several key players absent from that match, Real Madrid was also the opponent, a club that sports one of the greatest players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bottom line: Gustavo makes sense for Chelsea, but only at the right price.