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Arsenal's transfer season woes look set to continue with Barcelona having completed the capture of their midfield enforcer Alex Song for a reported fee of â‚¬19 million.

Barcelona's confirmed that the Cameroon international has signed a contract which will keep him at the club for the next five seasons. Their official Twitter account said: "FC Barcelona has agreed a deal with Arsenal FC for the transfer of Alex Song to the Camp Nou. Song will sign for the next five seasons with a release clause of €80 million. On Monday he'll have a medical and then join the rest of the squad for the official team presentation at the Gamper." Arsenal also confirmed the move on their official website.

Song has been one of Wenger's longest serving players, having arrived at the club from French side Bastia for a fee of just £1 million.

The loss of such a versatile and dynamic player is sure to hurt the Arsenal midfield. However, Wenger remains confident that he has adequate depth in the middle of the park, especially with both Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere returning from injury this season. "Midfield is an area where we have more freedom to make decisions," the Arsenal manager had said earlier in the week when he conceded that Song could indeed be leaving the club.

Chances are Emmanuel Frimpong will now be fast tracked into the first team when he returns to full fitness as he is the only member of the Arsenal squad who can physically make up for the departure of Song, who while also an excellent passer, had the crucial job of looking after the Arsenal back four.

A Song-less Arsenal started the season today with a goalless draw at home to Sunderland, but it is places like the Britannia Stadium where Arsenal are headed next to take on Stoke City where they are likely to miss players like Song the most.