Alex Song was training with Arsenal to improve his fitness after Rubin Kazan told him to find a new club, but why?

Images of Song training at Arsenal emerged toward the end of the transfer window.

This briefly sparked rumours that Song could return to the club on a free transfer, but Arsene Wenger denied them emphatically.

When asked if Song was returning, he said: “No. He is looking for a new club. I allowed him to come in to work on his fitness. Nothing more than that.”

According to L’Equipe, Song isn’t, however, a free agent and is still owned by his club, Rubin Kazan.

The Russian side are having financial difficulties and need to remove his £1.7m-a-year salary from their books.

KAZAN, RUSSIA - MAY 17: Alex Song (L) of FC Rubin Kazan vies for the ball with Vitinho FC CSKA during the Russian Premier League match between FC Rubin Kazan and FC CSKA at Tsentralny stadium on May 17, 2017 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA – MAY 17: Alex Song (L) of FC Rubin Kazan vies for the ball with Vitinho FC CSKA during the Russian Premier League match between FC Rubin Kazan and FC CSKA at Tsentralny stadium on May 17, 2017 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)

Hence, he’s been told to find a new club.

Arsenal tend to allow former players to return to the club and use their facilities, provided they still have a good relationship with them.

Sometimes, they end up being re-signed, as was the case with Mathieu Flamini in 2013.

Song was sold to Barcelona in 2013 but failed to establish himself in Spain.

He spent time on loan at West Ham, but didn’t do enough to earn a permanent move.

He moved to Rubin Kazan in Russia following his release from Barcelona.