Reports filtering out of the Gunners camp suggest Arsene Wenger has instructed club CEO Ivan Gazidis to call our Cameroonian to the negotiation table and dangle a large and luscious carrot before our midfield enforcer, in an attempt to tie him down to a new long-term deal at Arsenal.
Of course the man in question is none other than Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong, also known as Songhino, or how what we see on the back of his shirt – Song.
It seemed a long time ago when a certain Doualla-born footballer crossed the English Channel from Bastia, first on loan then on a permanent basis for a reported fee of £1 million on a four-year deal to Arsenal. But his game has grown in leaps and bounds since that transfer took place back in June 2006.
As with many young talents in the Arsenal ranks, Song endured a season-long loan at Charlton Athletic and though the south London club were relegated, Songhino had a good showing and received rave reviews for his performances.
It was not until the departure of Flattuso in 2008 that Song got his chance to establish himself as a true gem that Arsene Wenger spotted, and he has not looked back since.
Song was subsequently tied down to the club with a new five-year deal on the 25th of November, worth an estimated £55,000k-a-week until 2014.
The 24-year-old has gradually established himself as the midfield enforcer and hard man in Wenger’s side, allowing the more attack-minded players, formerly Cesc and Jack, now Ramsey, Rosicky and Arteta to support Van Persie, whilst he helps the defence.
So far, this is Song’s most productive season, as he is churning out impressive performances along with assists that win games. His assist for Robin’s opener against Dortmund was a classic mazy run past three defenders before delightfully picking up his top striker with a cross who duly responded with a header for the Arsenal opener. His well weighted overhead pass to pick out Van Persie against Everton at home was a delight to behold, as was the replica against Liverpool at Anfield. His vision to pick out Henry against Leeds United in the midst of four players was also great, and all proved to be assists that won matches. His overhead pass to pick out Theo firstly against Spurs for the fourth goal and secondly a repeat pass for the second against Aston Villa are just some of the numerous high quality displays this indomitable lion has put up for the side in recent times.
A “Bumber” deal, you’re joking right? Give up writing forever if you’re not.
OTT love in for Song Now, Decent Player, having a good season Yes(THANKS IN NO SMALL PART TO ARTETA DOING A LOT OF THE SPADEWORK) Still makes too many silly fouls & majorly lacks concentration. He isnt the messiah, Not sure hes mentally a WINNER which is really important. Still better options available in my eyes.
2 me he deserve dan dat. Some of our match dis season he has create some brillant assist 4 Arsenal dis season
Pay him £75,000 a week! that’s what I say.. Forget some of the negative comments; these guys do not understand footie in the modern era! Get rid of the dross and collectors’ items. Plenty of those on loan, those forever warming the benches, playing in the reserves year in year out and pay our main 22 what it takes to have a solid winning team!!!
Thank you