BARCELONA TRANSFER NEWS: Arsenal Midfielder Alex Song Expresses Desire to Play for Catalans

Arsenal supporters may have even more to worry about now that striker Robin Van Persie has signed on with Manchester United for a fee of about £22 million.

Alex Song ignited additional concerns for Arsenal when he publicly stated on Monday that he would be happy with a transfer to La Liga powerhouse Barcelona. The 24-year-old stated that he would be open to a change of scenery.

"I am not going to lie if I said there is no interest," Song said to Sky Sports. "Barcelona are the best team in the world, and speculation will always continue until the window closes."

The popular Cameroon defensive midfielder has been linked to the Catalans since the start of August, and The Independent reported on Wednesday that Barcelona vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu met with Arsenal officials to discuss a transfer at about £15 million.

All of this is familiar territory for Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger, as the club lost star playmaker Cesc Fabregas to the Catalans, as the two clubs play a rather similar style.

The most positive revelation for the Gunners is Song remains open to staying at Emirates should the club open up negotiations on a long-term contract. His current deal expires in two years, and Song still appears to be loyal to the club he joined in 2006.

"I am at Arsenal and I am happy at Arsenal," he said

Arsenal finished third in the Premier League in 2011-2012 and hoped to climb the table with Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla.

Losing van Persie, who led the Premier League with 30 goals last season, is a major blow to the club, particularly following the departures of Fabregas, Nasri, and Clichy last season.

The potential loss of Song could be devastating, as the club doesn't currently have a highly rated defensive midfielder. Should Song leave the Gunners, Arsenal might consider revisiting adding Yann M'Vila, a young French defensive midfielder who has received high praise from many experts.