Former Emirates Stadium star could be set for surprise return…
Check in to Costa Rica vs England
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could be signing a former midfield star this summer, but to the likely annoyance of supporters, it won’t be Cesc Fabregas, who has already sealed a deal to London rivals Chelsea…
Instead, CaughtOffside understands that the Gunners could act quickly and secure a deal for Barcelona’s 26-year-old anchorman Alex Song – who left the Emirates in 2011 to join Spanish giants Barcelona.
The Cameroonian midfielder will soon fly home from Brazil after his country were knocked out of the World Cup having failed to pick up a point, and Arsenal want to make sure a deal is wrapped up before other Premier League clubs looks towards Song as a potential signing.
With Barcelona signing Ivan Rakitic, and reportedly closing in on a deal for Bayern Munich superstar Toni Kroos, Song is more than surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp.
Last term he was only given a measly 12 La Liga starts, far below the number his ability warrants, and this number would likely be even lower with the influx of new stars if he were to stay in Catalonia.
As a result, Arsenal want to test Barcelona’s resolve with a £10m bid for their former midfield star, who developed into one of the best midfield battlers in the country during his time in England.
It is thought that Song’s excellent relationship with Wenger could smooth the potential deal should Barcelona accept a fee.
“He is like a father to me,” Song said on the veteran French boss back in March.
“He spoke a lot with me when I arrived to Arsenal.
“I wanted to renew my contract with Arsenal but in that case I would have regretted not joining Barcelona.”
While Wenger decided Fabregas wasn’t needed due to Arsenal already having Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey in the squad, Song’s defensive qualities means he could sit at the base of midfield and provide a platform from which the rest of the side could perform.
He’s more physical than Mikel Arteta, and more technically gifted than Mathieu Flamini in this role.
During his tenure at Arsenal, Song made 217 appearances, registering ten goals and 25 assists.
Read great Arsenal stories in Indonesian Bahasa! Arsenal berita.