Barcelona step up their pursuit of Arsenal's Alex Song

Barcelona are in the 'early stages' of negotiating a deal for Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.

The Catalonians are very interested in the defensive midfielder and are thought to have been encouraged by their initial enquiries, according to Goal.com.

Song clocked up 11 assists last season and that creative aspect of his game, from a deep position, is what makes him so appealing to the Spanish giants.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will be reluctant to sell the only senior defensive midfielder in his squad but is thought to be willing to do business at around £15 million.

The departure of Song would leave Wenger short in midfield and the possible addition of Real Madrid’s Nuri Sahin on loan would do little to help the situation as the Turkish international plays in a more advanced position, similar to the injured Jack Wilshere.

The 24-year-old Song’s impressive number of assists last season stemmed from a lack of discipline in staying back and shielding the defence.

Consequently, Wenger may feel it is time to move the Cameroonian on, if the price is right, and replace him with a more defensive minded player.