Unprofessional and late: Why Arsenal are happy to sell Song to Barcelona



Arsene Wenger sanctioned the £15million sale of Alex Song to Barcelona after becoming infuriated by the midfielder’s lack of commitment in pre-season.

And it has emerged that the Cameroon midfielder’s exit has been in the offing for months after a breakdown in the relationship between player and club over an improved contract.

As Sportsmail revealed last Thursday, Song will complete a switch to the Nou Camp on Monday — sealing the departure of a second key Arsenal player in less than a week.



Out: Arsene Wenger sanctioned Alex Song's sale

But unlike the £24million sale of Robin van Persie, who was in the final year of his contract, to Manchester United, the Gunners were under no pressure to offload Song, who had three seasons left on his £55,000-per-week deal.

Club sources claim Song’s levels of professionalism had dropped significantly in recent months and Wenger decided enough was enough earlier this summer.



Sources also say Song regularly arrived late for training, took a half-hearted approach in sessions and did not follow instructions from the management staff.

Tardy: Club sources claim Song was late for training

THE SONG SHEET

In seven seasons for Arsenal he made 138 appearances — 121 starts — with 122 in the past four seasons. Pinpoint passing — Made 7,312 passes and 85.46% found target. PL average last season was 79.65%. In his own half, his rate was 91.25% Tough tackling — Attempted 402 tackles and won 309 or 77%. In 50-50 battles, won 831 of 1,596.

Creative core — 120 scoring chances and in a more advanced role last season had 11 goal assists.



Having established himself as arguably the club’s second-most influential player behind Van Persie, Song felt he was entitled to an improved contract and tried to open talks over a pay rise.

He will earn around £70,000 a week at Barcelona.

It is understood Song’s advisers tried to initiate contact over a new contract in January.



However, sources close to Song insist Arsenal delayed attempts by the 24-year-old to negotiate, leaving the player disillusioned.



Song is said to have been desperate to commit his long-term future to the club, but felt his salary should have been on a par with other top earners.