Song transfer almost a done deal

Barcelona hopes to complete the signing of Alex Song  as soon as possible. The Catalan club is very optimistic after Josep María Bartomeu and Raúl Sanllehí's trip to London. Barça's sporting vice-president and director of football travelled to the British capital last Tuesday to negotiate with Arsenal for the Cameroon international and they feel that a deal is very close.

Barcelona had originally offered €15m for Song, whilst the London club was asking for €20m. It is therefore expected that an agreement will be reached somewhere in the middle.

After Seydou Keita's departure, signing a defensive midfielder became a priority for Barcelona. Following Bartomeu and Sanllehí's trip, the club is now waiting for Arsenal's answer. Personal terms have already been agreed with Song.

Confirmation of Robin Van Persie's transfer to Manchester United in the past few hours has seen some movement in the international transfer market and Song's departure would mean an additional cash injection to an Arsenal faced with no other choice than to scour the transfer market in search of replacements for the Dutchman and Cameroonian.