Wolfsburg have announced the signing of French international Joshua Guilavogui from Atlético Madrid on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy. The 23-year old defensive midfielder becomes The Wolves’ 4th summer signing of 2014 and adds to a great depth of midfield at the Volkswagen Arena.

Guilavogui made just a single appearance for Atlético having joined from Saint-Étienne on a five-year deal in September 2013. He made his name at the French club, where he made 103 senior appearances from 2009-2013, scoring 6 times. Guilavogui re-joined Saint-Étienne on-loan in January 2014 for the remainder of the season, making just 3 appearances.

"We are delighted to have been able to strengthen our squad further with a young player who possesses a great deal of potential. Josuha Guilavogui has gathered an amount of international experience and he will have a part to play in helping to bring the team along in its development," insisted VfL Director of Sport Klaus Allofs, on the official club website.

Head-coach Dieter Hecking is also very happy about the latest signing: "He is a midfield player who can be used in a variety of defensive roles. I firmly believe that Josuha Guilavogui will settle in quickly and benefit the team."

Having spoken to Spanish Journalist David Cartlidge on the Frenchman, he said “He’s superb and was unfortunate to not get more minutes for Atléti. Their fans aren’t happy he’s gone.” On what Wolfsburg fans can expect to see, David said “He’s smart positionally, strong in the tackle and has masses of energy. He can play in a defensive role, or as a box-to-box midfielder.”

The signing will also rekindle rumours of Luiz Gustavo wanting out of Wolfsburg. The Brazilian has been linked with Monaco and Arsenal over the last month, with BILD revealing his contract (which runs until 2018) has a €35m release-clause. 

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