Barcelona are testing the ground today over the prospect of signing Arsenal midfielder Alex Song. Sport says Barca chiefs are serious about a move for the Cameroon international and are waiting for the green light from Arsenal to open negotiations.

With Seydou Keita now gone, Barca have only Sergi Busquets are their defensive midfielder with doubts persisting over Jonathan dos Santos' ability to step up from the B team.

Song is a priority target for Barca, though Arsenal's asking price will prove decisive.