• Premier League

Song happy to repel approaches

ESPN staff
August 13, 2012

Alex Song admits he is aware of interest from other clubs, but has offered some clarity on his future by insisting he is happy to stay with Arsenal.

Barca have made little secret of their desire to sign Song, with players Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique all having spoken publicly of their desire to see the midfielder at the Camp Nou.

However, Song, who is under contract at Emirates Stadium until 2014, is happy with the Gunners and is reported to be keen to discuss an extension.

"I am not going to lie if I said there is no interest but I am at Arsenal and I am happy at Arsenal," he told Sky Sports. "Barcelona are the best team in the world, and speculation will always continue until the window closes."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed Song is not for sale, declaring reports in Spain to be wide of the mark.

"There's nothing going on with Song," said Wenger. "There's nothing in that. Song has three years contract he's not in the same situation as Robin Van Persie.

"In Spain the newspapers are not really serious. We've had the experience of that. We've never had any contact with anybody from Barcelona."

Last week, Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova insisted he would not comment on any transfer rumours.

Recent reports in the Spanish press suggested that, after Song's fine 2011-12 campaign, the Catalans were ready to make an official move, with El Mundo Deportivo reporting on Monday that they have already offered €15 million.

"I don't like talking about players who are not in our squad," Vilanova said. "There are many players outside of Barca who I like, and I cannot talk about them. It would be a lack of respect to other clubs."

Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni, though, says Cameroon team-mate Song told him of his desire to move to Barcelona while the pair were on holiday together this summer.

"We were together on vacation. He [Song] would like to go to Barcelona, any player would like to. Barcelona are not one of the best in the world, but the best," Kameni told Cope Catalunya.

"[Song would] fit in at Barcelona. He has all the features to play there. We all know what kind of player Barcelona like and he is one of them."

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