Barcelona Transfer News: Nolito Bid Too Low for Celta, Anthony Martial Rumours

Barcelona have reportedly met the representatives of Celta Vigo winger Nolito about a potential transfer to the Nou Camp, but have yet to put together a package that’ll prise him away from Balaidos.

That’s according to Catalunya Radio Esports (h/t SPORT), who write the Blaugrana offered €8 million (£5.84 million) for the 28-year-old. Nolito is reported to have an €18 million (£13.13 million) release clause in his Celta contract and was apparently “not happy” with the salary which was offered by Barcelona as part of these negotiations.

Here’s a look at why the Catalan giants reportedly view the Spanish international as an ideal replacement for the departed Pedro:

The discussions have been denied by Celta president Carlos Mourino, though, insisting the club have yet to receive any kind of offer for their prize asset yet, per Marca:

"

The Nolito saga never existed. We haven't received a call and neither has he. Nolito is totally relaxed and focused on Celta, dreaming of getting the team into the Champions League.

We've been talking about adjusting his release clause since before the reports about Barcelona came out.

"

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Nolito certainly has the talent to fill Pedro’s boots. He was sensational in La Liga last season, grabbing a wonderful 13 goals and 13 assists in league matches, per WhoScored.com. As a former Barcelona player, the Spanish international would not be overawed by the prospect of representing the club either.

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, Nolito fares well up against some of the most creative players in European football:

But in his peak years, would he be keen to take half-a-season out to get back to Barcelona? Even if he was to sign, Nolito would face a massive fight to get into the team in front of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Arda Turan.

At Celta he’s loved and is playing a key role. It’s no surprise, therefore, that last season was the most prosperous of Nolito’s career so far. While he may well be keen to test himself for a more illustrious club, sitting on the bench at Barcelona would undo all the positive strides he’s made as of late.

Anthony Martial Enquiry Made

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

Barcelona could be set to capitalise on AS Monaco’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, as they are reportedly preparing a move for Anthony Martial.

According to Cadena Ser (h/t Albert Roge of SPORT) the youngster could be available for a bargain transfer fee of €20 million (£14.58 million) after the principality club lost out in their qualifier against Valencia. The Blaugrana have apparently already made enquiries about Martial’s availability.

Here’s a look at why there is so much excitement when it comes to this prodigious young player:

Martial is the kind of player who may be contented with sitting on the bench initially with the European champions. Of course, he’d have to bide his time and wait for opportunities behind Barca’s illustrious attacking players, but it’d enable him to be well acquainted with the pressures of playing at the Nou Camp before eventually stepping into the first team.

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/Getty Images

But as we can see courtesy of OptaJean, while Barca would be investing in potential primarily, Martial is ready to make an impact:

There are Barcelona supporters who would be against this proposed transfer. After all, the club is synonymous with blooding their own young players from the La Masia academy. While Martial is extraordinarily talented, there’s nothing quite like seeing a local star come through to take his place in the team.

According to Roge’s piece, manager Luis Enrique will give chances to players like Sandro Ramirez, Rafinha and Munir El Haddadi in the early parts of the campaign before determining whether or not to move for reinforcements in January. Martial would certainly fit the bill, but Barca fans will be hopeful that some of their own products are capable of nailing down a spot in the squad.