The Bayern Bulletin: Gustavo's Price Tag, Can's Absence Explained

Demand for Gustavo's Services Rises

While the explanation for the acquisition of midfielders may be beyond comprehension, it might turn out to be a zero-sum game.

Shortly after Thiago Alcântara debuted his No. 6 kit, Luiz Gustavo was listed as the man would be going through the exit door.

VfL Wolfsburg immediately threw their hats into the ring, the German side waiting for the right transfer this summer. One problem the north German club is facing is the fact that they don't provide European football, but Wolfsburg general manager Klaus Allofs will still put up a fight.

"There are a lot of obstacles, but they are not insurmountable. We would try and convince him in one-to-one conversations."

- Klaus Allofs, Sport Bild via ESPN FC

Arsenal's pursuit is also really gaining steam. The North London club was allegedly going to line up a £8 million (€9.3 million) bid for Gustavo, according to London-based newspaper Metro. Now it sounds like the Gunners are prepared to fire out £15 million (about €17.5 million) for the Brazilian international, which the Daily Mirror believes could be Bayern's asking price.

Gustavo's agent, Roger Whittman, quelled some of the rumors two days ago, showing conviction that his client will stay on the Säbener Straße.

Luiz Gustavo's agent Roger Wittmann has denied all reports linking his client with a move away from the Allianz Arena. #FCB

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) July 20, 2013

Gustavo still has two years remaining on his contract, part of a five year deal he signed before the 2010/11 season when he moved from 1899 Hoffenheim for €15 million. Despite not getting consistent starts with Bayern, the 25-year-old made 33 appearances, and also started for the Seleção in all five Confederations Cup matches.

In the Telekom Cup this weekend, Luiz Gustavo did not make an appearance, although neither did Javier Martínez or Dante, two other players who participated in the Confederations Cup.

If Gustavo is sold, he will definitely missed. A move away from Allianz Arena may not be a bad idea for his career prospects, as the glut of Bayern's midfielders may limit his minutes on the pitch.

Can Sent Home for Injury Reasons

None were surprised to hear that Mario Götze and Holger Badstuber returned to Munich before the Telekom Cup, but the fact that Emre Can returned as well raised some eyebrows.

On Monday, Bayern came out with an explanation on their website, revealing that Can sustained a minor injury. He apparently was running laps at Bayern's training facility today, where Götze and Bastian Schweinsteiger were also rehabbing their injuries.

That does not dispel any of the loan rumors, but it makes more sense than prior reports.

As always, post any reports you deem worthy, the more the merrier.

Enjoy your week! And thanks for reading!