Barcelona linked to Alex Song
Barcelona are readying bid for Arsenal midfielder Alexandre Song, according to The Sun.
The Catalans are looking to sign another central midfielder following the departure of Seydou Keita and they have been linked with a move for the Cameroon international.
After Athletic Bilbao were reluctant to lower their €40 million asking price for Javi Martinez, the Catalans were forced to turn their attention elsewhere.
The Sun now claims they could make a move on Arsenal star Alex Song, who could be allowed to leave if Nuri Sahin completes his switch from Real Madrid.
Arsenal reportedly want around £16 million for the 24-year-old, which is close to what Barcelona are ready to pay for him.
Alex Song has really grown in stature over the last few years and he has become one of the most important players at the Emirates.
Besides doing an incredible amount of defensive work, the Cameroonian has shown his creative side last season, having produced no less than 11 assists in 34 Premier League games.
Steed Malbranque set for Lyon move
L’Equipe understands that former Fulham winger Steed Malbranque is set to sign for Olympique Lyon.
The 32-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Saint Etienne in September 2011, but he appears to be set for a return into action.
According to L’Equipe, the veteran midfielder is on the verge of signing a contract with Olympique Lyon.
The French giants announced earlier this week that the player was staying fit by training at Gerland, but they are now ready to tie him up to a short-term deal.
With Michel Bastos set to complete his switch to Al Ain, les Gones want to sign a replacement for the Brazilian and believe Malbranque can help them in the upcoming season.
Given that the Frenchman hasn’t played for almost a year, he is likely to be offered a contract where his wage would be based on a number of appearances.
Malbranque joined Saint Etienne from Sunderland last summer, but decided to rescind his contract after playing just one game for les Verts.
Fiorentina continue summer shopping
Fiorentina have added defender Gozalo Rodriguez from Villarreal to their ranks, the Spanish club announced on their official website.
The club chiefs decided to turn a new leaf after a very disappointing season and they have been very active in the summer transfer window.
Facundo Roncaglia, Mounir El Hamdaoui, Juan Cuadrado, Matias Fernandez and Borja Valero are just some of the players who arrived to Artemio Franchi this summer.
The Italian club have now announced the capture of centre-back Gonzalo Rodriguez from Villarreal.
“Villarreal and Fiorentina have reached an agreement for the transfer of Argentine defender Gonzalo Rodriguez, who will play next season at the Italian club,” read the statement on Villarreal’s official website.
The 28-year-old has spent last eight seasons at El Madrigal, but he has decided to leave the club after they were relegated to the second division.
Rodriguez arrives to Artemio Franchi as a replacement for Alessandro Gamberini, who made a switch to Napoli in July.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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