Arsenal close in on €20m move for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo

The Brazil international is expected to become the Gunners' club record signing and Arsene Wenger's first senior capture of the summer.

Arsenal will step up negotiations with Gustavo's representatives in the coming days as they attempt to thrash out personal terms.

The 26-year-old is on international duty this week and Arsenal would need to be given the permission of the Brazil national team to hold direct talks with the player if they are to force through a quick deal.

Wenger made his move for Gustavo at the end of last week after Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had admitted that they were willing to listen to offers for him.

Gustavo fell behind Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez in the German club's central midfield pecking order last season and told Bayern he wanted to quit in search of regular football.