Arsenal holding out for the right transfer fee

With the departure of Robin Van Persie to Manchester United, it looks like Arsenal are on the verge of losing another key man as Barcelona line-up a move for midfielder Alex Song.

According to the Evening Standard, Barcelona’s vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu was in London for the last few days to hold formal talks over a potential deal to bring Song to the Camp Nou. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has publicly stated he will not allow a sale to happen – but it is rumoured that, although happy at the Emirates, Song will not sign an extension to his current contract, which expires in three years.

Worried over a repeat of the Samir Nasri situation, where Arsenal’s negotiating position was severely weakened by the Frenchman having only 12 months left on his contract, the club may consider cashing in on 24-year old Song now.

The Gunners are keen to hold out for their £18m valuation of the Cameroon international, a price-tag that Barcelona are yet to match. The lure of joining the Catalans is tangible, and their interest in Song is thought to be because of his versatility – as he is comfortable playing as a holding midfielder or as a centre-back.

Barcelona begin their La Liga campaign with a match at the Camp Nou against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.