Barcelona Transfer Rumors: Alex Song Isn't Worth High Price to Barca

Alex Song has become a constant source of transfer rumors over the past couple weeks as clubs around Europe attempt to make some final moves before their respective seasons begin. One team heavily linked to Song has been La Liga powerhouse Barcelona.

Unfortunately for the Blaugrana, Arsenal is looking for a king's ransom to complete a deal. The Gunners are looking for around £20 million and a young player such as Cristian Tello to move the defensive midfielder, according to the Metro.

Even though Tito Vilanova would like to provide another boost to his squad before another busy campaign, that would simply be too much to pay for Song. It's an example of Arsenal trying to price him out of the market so he remains on the team.

Last season was Song's most complete one to date with 14 assists in 46 games across all competitions. He was forced to take on a bigger role offensively due to Arsenal's lack of offensive options, and he handled it quite well.

Although the role led to more defensive lapses, that was more due to his increased responsibility moving forward than to a regression of skill. If Vilanova wanted to employ him in a pure defensive stance, Song would have no problem excelling.

Regardless of how Barca's manager would use Song, the asking price is too high. Barcelona doesn't need him badly enough to give in to Arsenal's demands.

The transfer fee alone would be overpaying for the 24-year-old Cameroon international. Adding a promising young player like Tello to the mix would shift the deal completely in favor of the Gunners, which have had a busy offseason of their own.

Tello doesn't have a direct path to playing time for Barca due to the team's remarkable depth, but he's just 21 and has already scored seven goals in 22 games for one of the world's best teams. It takes a lot of talent to do that.

So to basically turn him Tello to a throw-in piece for Song would reek of desperation even though the Blaugrana have no reason to be desparate. If the Gunners aren't willing to budge off their asking price, it's time to start looking in a different direction.

Sometimes the toughest thing to do as a manager looking at potential transfers is to walk away. After all, the pressure to win right now usually overshadows the future.

But making the rumored deal for Song would be something Vilanova regrets in the future.