Pique pleads with Song to join Barcelona

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has risked angering Arsenal by saying he would be "happy to welcome" Alex Song to the Nou Camp.

Speculation concerning Song’s future has heightened in recent talks, with several publications in Spain reporting that the Cameroon midfielder is edging closer to a move to Catalonia.

Barcelona are desperate to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer after the departure of Seydou Keita, and boss Tito Vilanova appears to have set his sights on Song after being thwarted in his attempts to sign Athletic Bilbao youngster Javi Martinez.

Andres Iniesta revealed his admiration for Song earlier this week, and Pique, the former Manchester United defender, has now echoed his team-mate’s sentiments.

"Song is a great player with an impressive physical ability and good technique," said Pique.

"If he comes, which, from what I’ve read looks like it could happen, we are happy to welcome you."

Pique’s comments are likely to enrage Gunners fans, with the string of complimentary statements from Barcelona players reminiscent of the tactics used to lure Cesc Fabregas from London to Spain last summer.