Heavily linked teen gets Arsenal trial

It looks like we have the first shift at Arsenal since the departure of Patrick Vieira to Juventus last week.

Arsenal have invited highly rated defensive midfielder Alexandre Song for a trial and look serious about signing him. There is lots of interest in the youngster.

The 18 year old Cameroonian rejected a move to Middlesbrough 5 years ago at age 13. Alexander is also the nephew of Cameroon international Rigobert Song who currently plays for Galatasaray in Turkey. Rigobert played for Cameroon at age 17 in the 1994 World Cup.

Full name Alexandre Song Bilong, he is currently on the books at French club Bastia where he has been used in central defense and defensive midfield. Bastia were relegated last season which could explain the impetus of the move.

Song, standing 1m 82cm, has been part of the Bastia youth system and made 34 appearances last season in the first team.

Another one of these players Wenger goes after that you'd never imagine.

The player has also been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Auxerre and FC Porto.

This move is not a replacement for Vieira but you can see Wenger stocking youth at the position.