Arsenal Transfer News: Alex Song Agrees Barcelona Move
Barcelona are expecting to soon confirm the signing of Arsenal midfielder Alex Song after the Catalan club agreed a five year deal with the Cameroon international.
The National reports on the deal and say the ball is now in Arsenal's court over the transfer and whether they actually do want to allow their star defensive midfielder to leave the Emirates. They claim that the transfer situation is much like it was last season when Barca agreed terms with Cesc Fabregas before Arsenal finally agreed to sell him on. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger must now decide whether it is worth keeping hold of a player who has announced his intentions to leave the club or let him go to recoup funds to purchase a replacement. 24-year-old Song became Barcelona's number one midfield target when they failed to lure Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez to the Nou Camp this summer. The loss of Song would be a major blow for Arsenal and would put the pressure on the likes of youngster Emmanuel Frimpong to step it up with the season now just 7 days away from kicking off. Wenger had hoped he would be able to bring in French international midfielder Yann M'Vila to the Emirates but he was unable to sign the player this summer. Since his move from Bastia in 2006 (which came after a successful loan spell), Song has made over 200 appearances for Arsenal and his tough-tackling nature has matured the African into being one of the Premier League's most feared enforcers and one of Arsenal's most consistent performers. Lately he has also shown his willingness to get forward, producing 14 assists last term, more than any other Arsenal player last season in all competitions.