Barcelona Surprisingly Plot Move for Alex Song

Alex Song

Barcelona are planning a surprise £11.7 million bid for Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, according to talkSPORT.

New Barca boss Tito Vilanova is desperately seeking a new defensive midfielder this summer after allowing Seydou Keita to leave the Nou Camp.

Vilanova wants a new addition capable of playing in both defence and in front of the back four but is close to giving up on top-target Javi Martinez, with Athletic Bilbao demanding £25 million for the Spain international.

The La Liga giants are now ready to turn to Arsenal’s Song, who was reportedly recommended to Vilanova by former Gunners’ skipper Cesc Fabregas.

Senior Barcelona officials believe Song’s powerful physique and creative steak will perfectly complement the club’s ingrained style of play and are willing to part with nearly £12 million to land the 24-year-old.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to hold onto Song, particularly after learning the Jack Wilshere will not return to action until October. Wenger watched in vain as Fabregas moved to Catalonia last summer and the Frenchman is also close to missing out on midfielder target Yann M’Vila, who is wanted by Russia club Zenit St Petersburg.

Wenger is ready to offer the Cameroonian enforcer a new bumper deal to keep him at the Emirates beyond the summer of 2014 but it is thought a move to La Liga would interest Song.