Luiz Gustavo
Arsenal miss out again as Gustavo completes Wolfsburg switch. (Reuters)

Luiz Gustavo has explained his desire to continue plying his trade in the Bundesliga as one of the key factors behind his decision to join Wolfsburg despite being heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

The Brazilian midfielder made his decision to leave Bayern Munich after his first team role at the Bavarian giants became untenable following the arrival of Thiago Alcantara at the Allianz Arena.

The Gunners soon became linked with the tough-tackling Gustavo, who highlighted the opportunity to play under Arsene Wenger in a side who play attractive football as something that would greatly appeal to him.

But in what is developing into an uncomfortable pattern for Arsenal, Gustavo has decided against a move to the Emirates, and has instead completed a move to the Bundesliga club for an undisclosed fee, signing a five year contract at the Volkswagen Arena.

"Wolfsburg are a top club," Gustavo is quoted as saying by ESPN. "I like Germany. The security the country gives me. I have considered everything. I knew about everything. My heart decided upon Wolfsburg.

"Wolfsburg have always been after me, They wanted me from the very beginning. That is the reason I am here. It is a good project here.

"(Brazil national team coach Luiz Scolari) spoke his mind and that helped me find a decision. There were many other factors too. The situation was not easy but I was in a luxury position."

Although it is unclear whether the Gunners lodged an official bid for the former Bayern Munich midfielder, Gustavo would have fit the profile of the type of signing chief executive Ivan Gazidis assured fans of earlier this summer.

Arsenal have already missed out on what would have been one high profile signing in Gonzalo Higuain in June. The Gunners appeared to be favourites to sign the former Real Madrid striker, but complications over a fee saw a move fail to materialise, allowing Napoli to swoop for the Argentine international.

Wolfsburg general manager has also indicated that his side fended off "international competition to the signature of Gustavo," suggesting the Gunners may have well been in the race for the 26-year-old.