The Spanish press are reporting that a deal to bring Alex Song from Arsenal to Barcelona has all but been agreed and that the deal will be announced over the weekend at the latest.

Song, who has reportedly angered Arsene Wenger by tarting himself all over Europe, had recently said that he was happy at Arsenal but it is no secret that Wenger is no longer happy with him and is willing to let the player go.

Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the announcement could be made ‘in a matter of hours’ and Wenger has stated that the player had received a knock and would not be available to play tomorrow – Wenger code for ‘he’s been dropped.’ He also said that they would try and resolve the player’s future next week, but that now seems unlikely.

Negotiations are believed to have been taking place by telephone.

Should Song follow van Persie out the Arsenal door, as it seems very likely, he would be the last player with any ties to Darren Dein, who has been instrumental in luring a number of Arsenal stars away from the club in recent years, to leave the club meaning Arsenal would be Dein-free. His client list include Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Arsenal would be left with a surplus of cash from the summer sales despite having brought in three top international players and are expected to strengthen further before the window closes.

Song’s departure would hint that a defensive midfielder would be required but as Arsenal also let Kyle Bartley go and Sebastien Squillaci is deemed not good enough, a centreback could also be on the shopping list.

My opinion? As good as Song is, if he doesn’t want to play for Arsenal, show him the door.