GUNNERS' OLYMPIC SONG
ARSENE WENGER is facing a midfield crisis - after Cameroon's Alex Song opted to link up with his country's Olympic squad.
The 20-year-old, described by Gunners boss Wenger as 'a remarkable player who in one or two years will be great for Arsenal', won over fans with a number of impressive performances towards the end of last season.
But with Alex Hleb Barcelona-bound, Tomas Rosicky recovering from a long-term knee injury and Gilberto also set to quit the club for Panathinaikos, Wenger's midfield looks desperately short of bodies and experience for the start of the season.
The midfield dilemma will further rile fans who have seen just one addition to the squad this summer in £12million playmaker Samir Nasri, from Marseille
If he wants to go then let him however Cameron pay his wages....he knows the score. He should have let Arsene and the club know at the beginning of the year not at the beginning of a new season.
Posted by: Sue | July 13, 2008 at 12:41 AM | Report this comment
'Facing a midfield crisis.'? Rubbish! As the story states, Song has been impressing at centre back and is being groomed to play there! We've just bought Ramsey and Nasri, have midfielders Vela and Merida returning from loan, youngsters Randell and Gibbs coming into prominence. In addition, there's the eminent signing of Bishoff and if Milan agree to buy AdeMoMoney for a reduced fee plus their young attacking MF, Gourcuff, we'll have an overabundance of midfielders!
Posted by: SAGooner | July 13, 2008 at 01:08 AM | Report this comment
Potential midfield for the start of the season:
Nasri, Denilson, Fabregas, Diaby.
Back up: Walcott (if he's not playing centre forward), Rosicky (assuming he's not fully fit, if he is, he's in the first four), Traore at left half if necessary, plus all the kids from the CC team and reserves. And this new wonderkid, Ramsey, who everyone says is the next Ryan Giggs.
And that's assuming Arsene DOESN'T buy someone else.
Which he might.
He's not stupid you know!
And Song is as much a central defender as a midfielder.
Posted by: Rhys Jaggar | July 13, 2008 at 06:50 AM | Report this comment
I think the gooners will try and get gareth barry , and i can see them having him onloan with a view to a permanent deal.
Posted by: true villa fans | July 13, 2008 at 07:53 AM | Report this comment
No doubt Song will be a huge loss.
We should all kill ourselves right now...
Good morning, Mr.Winterburn.
Posted by: The Song Almighty | July 13, 2008 at 10:13 AM | Report this comment
Oh come on fella! Crisis?
Are you for real?
Song is a fringe player, back up to the likes of Denilson and Diaby.
All this relentless clamour to try and portray Arsenal as a club in crisis is hilarious!
I hope Song goes to the Olympics, at least he'd be getting some regular football, which he wouldn't at Arsenal.
At the moment our 1st choice midfield is looking like;
Theo Cesc Diaby Nasri.
And I imagine there is still 2 or 3 signings to be made before the start of the season.
Posted by: Spike | July 13, 2008 at 10:36 AM | Report this comment
Arsenal's midfield is truly in crises,there is no anchor man in there to partner cesc,can any of diaby or denilson match the strength and madness of FLAMINI? the only quality defensive midfielder we can boost of is ALEX SONG with his strength and vision he can stand any test.
Posted by: E EJ | July 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM | Report this comment
The only crisis we would have is if Song is first choice in partenering Cesc in midfield next season.
Bring on the Cesc and Diaby combination and if these 2 click we will once again have some height and presence in the middle of the park.
Add Nasri and one of either Rosicky, Walcott or Vela on the other wing, and we'll have the best midfield in the Prem.
Happy crisis NOTW.
Posted by: John | July 13, 2008 at 02:52 PM | Report this comment
Arsenal in Crisis? can't wait for the start of the season to see this crisis onfold........
Come on you Reds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MadGooner | July 13, 2008 at 03:39 PM | Report this comment
i went to every game last season, i and many others have yet to see him have an impressive game!!
enjoy the olympics.
Posted by: terry howard | July 20, 2008 at 10:41 AM | Report this comment