LONDON - Arsenal’s Alex Song is nearing a move to Barcelona after the two clubs agreed a fee for the midfielder. The 24-year-old, who was not included in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Sunderland, is set for a medical and contract talks ahead of the deal’s completion.

Boss Arsene Wenger has lined up Real Madrid’s 23-year-old Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin on loan as a replacement. “It’s always frustrating losing good players, but we have plenty of players in midfield,” said Wenger.

“We could bring in further players, Nuri Sahin is one of the names we are currently chasing.” It is believed Turkey international Sahin could join Arsenal on a season-long loan deal, while Liverpool have also been linked with the playmaker.

Sahin joined Real Madrid from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund last summer, but struggled to make an impact, and head coach Jose Mourinho has said he is free to find a new club. With Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky close to a return to full match fitness, Wenger is happy with the options available to him in midfield.

Wenger has brought in strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski this summer, while Robin van Persie, who scored 30 goals in the Premier League for Arsenal last season, recently joined Manchester United. – BBC Sport