Song: "Arsenal need Wenger"

Barcelona midfielder Alex Song insists Arsenal need to keep manager Arsene Wenger at the helm if they are to continue developing in the right direction.

Song moved to Barcelona in the summer last year after spending eight years at Arsenal. The Cameroonian international made around 200 appearances for the Gunners and speaking on SkySports’s Monday night special report said:

“Wenger’s the right man. I spent eight years with him and he’s just unbelievable. I still keep in touch with him and the last time I met him he was very happy. Hopefully he’ll stay longer at Arsenal because if they lose him today then they won’t be the same.”

Arsene Wenger is touted to move to Paris Saint Germain after failing to win a trophy for last eight years at Arsenal. The recent departure of players like Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Alex Song, Gael Clichy and Robin van Persie has not helped the Frenchman’s cause.

Song has been unable to cement a place in Barcelona’s starting XI but insists he is happy and fortunate to be at the club. He added:

“It’s a pleasure to be here. Many people want to be here so I know I’m lucky to be here.

“It is different here than Arsenal. It’s not the same. Arsenal have very good players but Barcelona have the best player in the world – Lionel Messi – and that’s why the pace is different.

“We have quality players. I’m not saying Arsenal don’t have quality players because they do, but Barcelona are the best team in the world.”