Another summer, another double transfer saga at the Emirates. With RVP looking to be on his way to Manchester, the attention shifts to Alex Song and what to do with the young Cameroonian amid interest from Barcelona (Daily Mail). The player told Sky Sports, “I am at Arsenal and I am happy at Arsenal.” Manager Arsene Wenger also confirmed the midfielder is not for sale (Soccernet), yet speculation continues on his future. Song presents a different case than Van Persie, with three years still remaining on his contract (as opposed to just one for RVP). There is no pressure on Arsenal to do business or risk losing him on the cheap.
But what should Arsene do with Song? The player made great strides last season and finally looks like the heir apparent to Patrick Viera the Gunners have been searching for throughout their seven-year trophy drought. However, the rumored 17 million pound price tag seems a fair one and as we’ve seen with many a Barcelona target, if the player desires the move he usually gets it in the end. So should Arsenal sell now? Or should the Gunners hold on to Song and see if he continues his ascendance towards top-class holding midfield player?
In my opinion Arsene needs to hold on to Song. Arsenal has spent its money smartly this summer and there is a real sense of optimism heading into the season. Letting a key cog go right now when it doesn’t seem necessary to do so would be a mistake. Last summer, some pundits were starting to suggest that Arsenal was becoming a feeder club. An understated 3rd place finish and a few big-name buys has done much to squash this notion but if the club wants to push on and contend for trophies once again they need to see out the development of players like Song.
Wenger truly believes in his philosophy and expertise in developing young talent and Song is a shining example that this system can be a success. Arsenal has been very patient with Song. After spending a half-season on loan with Charlton in a lower league, Arsene has given Song regular playing time since 2008-09 and while it hasn’t all been smooth sailing this continued belief in the player is finally starting to pay dividends.
The Song of 2008-09 had a tendency to hold on to the ball too long at times, and his defensive positioning was not entirely there yet. But the Alex Song of 2011-12 was a revelation. He cleaned up a lot of messes in front of an inconsistent back four and produced a number of memorable through balls (including one in particular to set up a Van Persie goal against Liverpool that was absolutely sublime). Towards the end of the season Song had a tendency to try and thread near-impossible passes through but I think this was a matter of inflated confidence rather than a passing deficiency.
I really believe that without Song last year Arsenal might have conceded 10 more goals and unless Arsene has Yann M’Villa ready to walk through the door the next day the decision is clear– keep him.
What do you think? Do you think Arsenal should sell high on Song now? Or wait to see if he continues his improved play?
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