Arsenal are reportedly emerging as the first-choice destination for Celta Vigo winger Nolito in the January transfer window.
The Gunners had been expecting stiff competition from Barcelona for the Spanish international, but according to The Mirror, the Catalan giants can’t afford him and so will switch their focus elsewhere.
The 29-year-old had been in negotiations with Celta over a contract renewal, but reports claim that those talks have broken down and they are no closer to agreeing on a new deal.
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In turn, his form so far this season has caught the eye of several top clubs from around Europe, and he will be in line for a significant improvement in his salary if he were to make the move to north London.
Both Nolito and Celta have impressed so far this season as they continue to compete for a top-four finish in La Liga, but naturally, losing the winger next month would see the club risk losing their momentum.
Nevertheless, it appears as though Arsene Wenger will be able to sign him if their interest is real, and the French tactician could certainly do with some reinforcements given the injuries that his squad has suffered with in recent weeks.
Although Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have returned, the likes of Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Alexis Sanchez have all been ruled out for a significant period due to injury and so the Premier League outfit will be anxious about how their absences effect their title hopes.
While they seemingly have enough options on the wings as it is, Wenger appears to want to bolster that area of his squad with Nolito, and he will hope that the Spaniard can make an immediate impact if he arrives next month.
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