Arsenal’s midfield of Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi has received huge praise as a big factor in the Gunners’ title win this season, but one former star believes both could be ousted.
Former Arsenal star Alex Song has bizarrely insisted he can still start in the Gunners’ midfield 12 years after leaving the club. The north London side have enjoyed an excellent season so far, with their midfield focus central.
Since joining from West Ham United, Declan Rice has become one of the most complete midfield players in world football. Teammate Martin Zvimendi has also made a big impression since his summer move from Real Sociedad.
Despite this, Song still believes he is good enough to play for Arsenal. In an interview with ESPN Africa, the now 38-year-old was asked if he could start for a number of clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
He quirkily answered “yes” to each of the trio before being asked about Arsenal, adding: “Yes, Gunners for life! Yes.”
Later, when asked if he would play for north London rivals Spurs, he emphasized his loyalty to Arsenal. Son replied: “No, I will never play for Tottenham. Absolutely not! That’s not going to happen!”
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Song joined Arsenal from French side Bastia in 2005 and made 204 appearances for the club under manager Arsene Wenger. The Cameroonian was sold to Barcelona for £15m in 2012 and spent two seasons at Camp Nou, helping the Spanish giants win the 2012/13 La Liga title.
Song played for West Ham United, Rubin Kazan and Sion before retiring in 2020. His claim is puzzling given the form of Arsenal’s midfield this season.
The partnership between Rice and Zvimendi is a big reason why the Reds are aiming to win the Premier League under Mikel Arteta. Mikel Merino also continues to impress, despite his role as an emergency centre-forward.
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After his goal against Brentford, manager Mikel Arteta said of the Spaniard: “He was brilliant again. The way he scored, very smart. The timing, the way he won positions and his execution. He was a great player.”
“But I remember his overall performance, both with and without the ball, the way he passed the ball to Martin behind him. Martin didn’t chase the ball, he chased it 40 meters to the corner flag and then went back and got it back.”
“He’s everywhere, that’s his goal, he’s got really good momentum at the moment. He’s going to make the team a lot better.”
Arteta will be hoping Merino continues his form this weekend as Arsenal look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
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