Barcelona are reportedly looking at bringing in another Arsenal player, with the latest player linked with the Catalan club being Alex Song.
Barca, over the last few years, have already taken the likes of Thierry Henry, Alexander Hleb and Cesc Fabregas to Nou Camp, and were monitoring the developments of Laurent Koscielny, before the Frenchman committed his future to the Gunners.
The Spanish team have been put off by the price tag of their No 1 target Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao, with the Spanish international's club asking for more than £30 million ($47 million).
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, new coach Tito Villanova has now turned his attention to Song, who is capable of playing in both midfield and defense.
Last season, Song was one of the best players for Arsenal, although he was criticized for his wandering habits during games, which left the Gunners' defense at times alarmingly exposed.
But his technical ability and skill is in no doubt, and would fit in perfectly in any European team. However, Song still has two years remaining on his contract, and had made no noise about his intentions to leave.
Arsene Wenger is a big fan of his talents, and has turned the Cameroon international from an inconsistent, raw player to a more refined one, capable of attacking as well as defending. With the future of Robin Van Persie still up in the air, Wenger will be sure not to let another of his high-profile players leave; and it is understood, Song and his representatives are in talks over extending his stay at the Emirates.
The Santi Cazorla-Arsenal transfer seems like it will run on for a little longer, after experienced Spanish journalist Graham Hunter suggested the Gunners will need to up their bid from €20 million (£16 million, $25 million), if they are to sign the talented playmaker.
Hunter insists Cazorla is still keen on a move to Arsenal, but Malaga will ask for more for their best player, if they are to sell, despite their financial problems. The deal was expected to be completed on Wednesday, when the deadline for Malaga to reduce their debt expires, but, as is the case with most Arsenal transfers, it will take a little longer than expected, although it is still widely believed Cazorla will be an Arsenal player come the start of the season, despite reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, highly-rated Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry signed his first professional contract with Arsenal.
The German youth international, who turned 17 earlier this month, joined Arsenal as a scholar from VfB Stuttgart last summer and enjoyed an impressive first spell with the Gunners.
The attacking midfielder, who has is known for his pace, strength and eye for goal, netted six times in eight games for the under-18 team. That form led to his being elevated to the reserves, where he scored two goals in six appearances.
