At first, I did not take these rumours that seriously but more and more media outlets are reporting it. Barca's number one target was Javi Martinez but Athletic Bilbao are not budging one bit and Barca have turned their attentions to Song. Like with the Fabregas saga, a few of Barca's players have talked to the media about one of their transfer targets. It's still unclear how long Song has left on his contract, some think 2 years and others 3. But, at least we have more cards to play with compared to the Van Persie situation. We can hold out for a better price with the knowledge that we will not lose Song for nothing in a years time. According, to the Guardian, Song has been making noises about wanting to 'explore' the option of possibly moving to Barca. That has pissed off Wenger, according to the Guardian. Sport are reporting that Song has agreed personal terms with Barca, but I think that's a load of **** to be honest. Song splits opinion like no other Arsenal player. Some think he is top class, and some think he is a just a donkey while others think that he is still devolving. IMO, if we get a bid for anywhere near £20 Mil, then I would sell. Song is good, but for me there are better players out there. We could go and get a proper DM to replace him, players like M'Vila,Capoue or even Biglia. There is also the Sahin option. But, what does everyone else think? How should the club deal with this potential problem?
No big deal, easily replaceable. He is a very good player, before any one tries to execute me. But we can get a lot better. Sahin in and Song out would be amazing.
I'm still dreaming of the Sahin option. I agree with you, if Barca come in with a crazy bid of 20 million or so for Song, then we'd be silly not to take it, as we could probably get Sahin for less. I reckon if he goes though it'll be for around £15 million. Any less then we've been screwed because he is a great player who has really done well this past season. But if he leaves, it's imperative we replace him.
Not that many of us would care, but where would Song fit in at Barca? Nothing but a bench warmer in my eyes. Is he their replacement for Keita?
Probably just a bench warmer. Which is why I think they'll make a paltry bid for him and hope he kicks up enough of a fuss that we'll have to accept it.
It would be typical Barcelona though I hope we can, plus I don't know if Song is the type of guy to throw a pissy if he doesn't get his own way but if he is we might not have a choice.
He's certainly Keita's replacement. He's versatile enough for it, plus he's African, which seems to suggest a marketing ploy.
30 million and they can have him, we might as well fleece the bastards and get revenge for the fab saga. If modric is worth 40 million, and he doesn't really get that many goals or assists then we could get at least 25 million for song.
He's much better than most give credit for. 13 assists and the second highest interception rate in the league(in midfield). He's a great alround midfielder. No he would'nt be easy to replace. Also he's just coming in to his peak and his best years are ahead of him. Sahin is a better player though - But he's more of a deep lying playmaker.
This makes no sense, Barca do not need him, and he's got 3 years on his contract, so the ball is well and truly in our court, nothing less than 30 million as others say, no reason to go cheap.
I think Song made a big contribution to our team last season, I think it would be a bad move for him as he's virtually guaranteed a first XI place at Arsenal and as mentioned he'd be a bench warmer as Barca. That said, if a crazy money offer came in and we could get Sahin or M'Vila, then I'd be open to business.
Song has so much potential. Considering his position (he's moved from being a DMF to a Box to Box midfielder) he has a great amount of assists and as some has stated, he breaks up the oppositions play a lot. I would keep him as he has so much to offer, but if Barca are considering anything over 25mil, it would be stupid not to sell him. Considering the amount of years left on his contract, plus his age, he's worth around that amount. And how many players would turn down playing for Barca? Despite my dislike for them, you can't deny this era of Barca will be remembered for decades.
But will he actually get to 'play' for Barca that much? He's a starter here, but can he be guaranteed that at the Nou Camp? He's coming into his peak and he needs to think very, very carefully about his priorities. If he goes to Spain to become a bench warmer, then his career could take a serious hit. Of course Barcelona are the greatest side in club football and it's an incredible honour to play for them, but that doesn't mean that it would be in his best interests, at least not yet anyway. If he wants to go and they offer a good price for him, then fine, of course he's not irreplacable, but that money would need to be reinvested in the team as a matter of urgency. I know he divides opinion, but I rate him quite highly.
I see your point mate. He should look at what happened to Hleb. All that potential and now look? From Barca to a bottom Premier League team? Talk about a fall from grace I would assume he wouldn't get much playing time, even if he was a replacement for Keita. Sergio Biscuits occupies the DMF position 90% of the time. So in theory, Song would have to think about how it could affect his career in the long time. I rate Song highly. Some of his assists have come at vital moments. It's all well and good to praise Van Persie and others for being clinical, but without the assist there is no goal. Song can be one of the best DMF if he stays at Arsenal. Just imagining him in our potential line up this season is mouth-watering. I just hope the temptation of playing for Barca doesn't cloud his judgement.
The more I think about it the more I think that this move is not going to happen. We will look for £20 Mil plus and Barca are not going to pay that much for a squad player at best.
Song is reaching his peak, and he's also almost good enough, so worth hanging on to. These rumours started with Talkshite as far as i know, so not worth discussing.
