Gunners boss in for another midfielder

Arsene Wenger hints at new signing

By Zain Alvi | 20th August 2012

Arsene Wenger has indicated that the nearly completed transfer of Alex Song to Barcelona will be followed by the arrival of a new midfielder at Arsenal – and the replacement is likely to have creative qualities as well.

Song started off as a raw talent in the defensive midfield for the Gunners but turned into a complete box-to-box powerhouse by the end of last season.

The Cameroon international’s remarkable progress immediately drew interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and after the player sought an exit, Wenger admits he started becoming more likely to consider a replacement.

While the return from injury of Abou Diaby and the impending return of Jack Wilshere have already boosted Wenger to prepare for Song’s exit, the Frenchman also hinted on signing another player following Saturday’s goalless draw against Sunderland.

“He [Song] expressed a desire to go to Barcelona. [And Arsenal decided to sell] because we have Wilshere coming back, I believe in one and a half months. We have Diaby back, we have Rosicky not far away and we might bring another midfielder in as well,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.

He added: “You have to be patient a little bit [over any new signings].”

Wenger also took the opportunity to praise a midfielder he signed earlier this summer – Spain international Santi Cazorla.

“I think it’s difficult not to be pleased with him because he played on Wednesday night, the whole game in Puerto Rico [for Spain]. All the chances were created by him, basically,” the manager explained.

Arsenal travel to Stoke next Sunday as they seek their first win of the new season.