Arsenal have been given a significant boost in their pursuit of Celta Vigo star Nolito. The International Business Times, citing sources in Spain, have recently been adamant that the Catalan club is unlikely to make significant signings in January to due to their debt situation. Now, it seems that the Barcelona board may already be ceding the fight for the 29-year old to Arsenal and moving on to other, more affordable targets.
Injuries to several forwards in recent weeks led to speculation in the English media that Arsène Wenger would be shopping for forwards to bolster the team’s attacking options. Nolito, who has scored seven and assisted four more in 11 appearances for Celta Vigo, has seen his stock steadily rising recently, and may attract attention from many European clubs. He featured last week in Spain’s friendly against England, coming on after half-time and assisting on Santi Cazorla’s goal to give the Spaniards a 2-0 victory.
Nolito’s contract is said to contain a release clause of approximately £13m. While that may normally seem like a paltry sum for a club of Barcelona’s stature and economic might, recent comments by board members have left many in the media thinking that they will stay away from high-profile signings, preferring less-expensive options due to their enormous debt.
While manager Luis Enrique prefers to sign Nolito, it is thought that he will be rebuffed by the board, which may be targeting players in the ilk of Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt, or Ezequiel Lavezzi. Barcelona’s reluctance may be all the encouragement Arsène Wenger needs to pursue Nolito, as the club may now be able to acquire him on the cheap.
