|
|
Barcelona step up interest in Arsenal midfielder Alex Song
Aug 9, 2012 12:35:00 PM
The Spanish giants are keen to sign the Cameroon international this month but are unwilling to meet the Gunners' £15 million valuation of the midfielder
By Wayne Veysey | UK CorrespondentBarcelona are preparing a bid for Alex Song but are unwilling to meet Arsenal’s £15 million valuation of the midfielder.
The Spanish giants have upped their interest in the Cameroon international after being encouraged by their exploratory enquiries for the 24-year-old.
| ALEX ON SONG |
|
|
|
|
| SONG'S ARSENAL RECORD |
|
| GAMES PLAYED GOALS ASSISTS |
204 10 24 |
Goal.com understands that a possible deal is only in the “early stages” but Barca’s desire to capture the midfielder in the current window is genuine.
Arsene Wenger is reluctant to sell the only senior defensive midfielder in his squad even though Song has developed the creative side of his game over the last two seasons.
Arsenal are in talks with Real Madrid over a season-long loan for Nuri Sahin, but the midfielder is regarded by Wenger as more of a deep-lying playmaker who can stand in for the injured Jack Wilshere rather than a protector of the defence.
Jose Mourinho said last week that Real will not stand in Sahin’s way if he wanted to leave, although he is unlikely to do so unless the Spanish club complete the signing of top summer target Luka Modric from Tottenham. Liverpool are also pursuing Sahin and have asked to be kept informed of developments.
Song has established himself as an integral member of the Arsenal team over the last two seasons but his eagerness to attack frequently opens up holes in front of the back four for opponents to exploit.
He has three years to run on his current contract and Wenger might conclude that it is the right time to cash in on him.
Follow Wayne Veysey on
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants Isco at Chelsea
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
