Arsenal confirm Song departure to Barca

"The transfer of Alex Song to Barcelona has been completed for an undisclosed fee. Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Alex for his contribution to the club and wish him the best of luck for the future," the Gunners said on their official website.

The 25-year-old, who has agreed a five-year contract, became Barca's second major reinforcement for the new season after Spain full-back Jordi Alba was landed from Valencia for 14 million euros.

"He is going to help us a lot and he brings height to the team," Vilanova told a news conference.

"He will be a surprise to many in football terms because he is a very good player."

He follows Dutch striker Robin van Persie in quitting Arsenal this month, leaving fans of Arsene Wenger's team aghast at the continual drain of talent from Emirates Stadium. Cesc Fabregas moved back to Barca from Arsenal last year.

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.