Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed on Friday that former Gunner ace Alex Song was back training with the club, but dismissed suggestions that the free agent was to be offered a return.
As reported by the Express, Song has been training with Arsenal in an attempt to get back to fitness, with the 30-year-old midfield enforcer looking for a new club.
“He is looking for a new club. I allowed him to come in to work on his fitness. Nothing more than that,” said Wenger.
Song was released by Rubin Kazan at the end of 2017 after a dispute over late payments, and the Cameroon international is now on the hunt for a new club.
And who better than his other former Premier League club, West Ham?
The Hammers are embroiled in a midfield crisis at the moment, with central midfielder Pedro Obiang thought to be ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.
That injury has left Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate as the club’s only decent options in the centre of the park, and opens the door for a sensational return for Song.
The 30-year-old spent two seasons on loan at the Hammers between 2014 and 2016, before starting his doomed spell with Russian side Kazan after that.
With Obiang injured for the foreseeable future, and the Hammers lacking real back-up options, Song is the perfect short-term option to replace Obiang in the squad.
The former Arsenal star is still just 30 years old, and once he is back up to fitness he will be able to offer vast Premier League experience.
Not only does Song have Premier League experience, but he also has experience at West Ham after his two-year spell in east London.
That will allow him to settle in quickly under David Moyes and help the Hammers in their fight against relegation.
In terms of playing style, Song and Obiang are relatively similar.
Song is probably a bit more focused on the defensive side of play, with the destroyer providing a perfect shield for the back four.
Obiang offers more going forward, and has a slightly better passing range, but the Hammers are in need of as much defensive cover as possible.
Their ageing defence has looked well off the pace at several points this season, and having Song roaming in front of them will help massively.
If West Ham were to offer Song an initial contract until the end of the season, it would be situation that carries very little risk for the club.
Song’s wages will not be astronomical, and if he is no good then they can just release him in the summer.
With such a quality player available as a free agent, and such a glaring hole in their squad, this move is a no-brainer for David Moyes and West Ham in their battle against relegation.