Chelsea and Manchester City are set to go head to head in their attempts to sign ex-Arsenal midfielder Alex Song from Barcelona this summer, reports Sky Sports.
The Cameroonian defensive midfielder’s time at the Camp Nou has been punctuated by frustration at a lack of game time, but his performances on loan at West Ham last season provoked interest from a number of top European clubs.
The Hammers are keen to make the short-term deal permanent but Song is unlikely to pass up the opportunity to play Champions League football for a title contending side next season. He is also said to be settled in London which may give Chelsea the edge in the battle for his signature.
Alex Song being tracked by Chelsea and Manchester City, according to Sky sourceshttp://t.co/3cwOAtkp82 pic.twitter.com/aoeVewAAgR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 20, 2015
Song has already proven himself in the unique combative atmosphere of English football, demonstrating a potent combination of technique and tenacity during his spells at Arsenal and West Ham.
He is also one of a handful of realistic transfer prospects who has a wealth of Champions League experience and also fulfils ‘home-grown’ criteria in England.
At 26, he is at the perfect age for a midfielder and would provide maturity and reliability while still being young enough to tease the possibility of further development.
Jose Mourinho may also be enthused by the prospect of rekindling Song’s productive midfield partnership with Cesc Fabregas, who played with the African midfielder at Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Spanish midfielder walked a very similar career pathway before ending up at Stamford Bridge. Cesc’s transition from bit-part player at the Camp Nou to his crucial role at the heart of Chelsea’s title winning side is unlikely to have escaped Song’s attention.
In my opinion, he would fill a large gap in Chelsea’s squad. In games where they are looking to employ an aggressive approach in defensive midfield, Song’s presence would reduce the need to play Ramires or Kurt Zouma out of position.
Quality defensive midfielders are few and far between in the modern game and Chelsea would provide Song with the best opportunity to settle down and establish himself as a key player in a top side.
