Arsenal Transfer News: Huge Nolito Boost Amid Barcelona Rumours

Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Celta Vigo frontman Nolito, as Barcelona have reportedly ended their interest in the Spaniard.

According to Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport (via Metro's Will Giles) Barcelona are targeting younger, cheaper options as they seek a replacement for Pedro, potentially giving Arsenal a clear run at the 28-year-old in January.

As ESPN FC reported, Nolito was heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou over the summer, and the forward admitted: "Either I go there or I stay at Celta. It doesn't matter which other teams come in."

He added: "I have had a lot of offers, financially they were very lucrative, but I am happy here. I feel like a football player and I have noticed the affection of the fans. I'll repeat it again: either I go to Barcelona or I stay at Celta."

Football journalist Dermot Corrigan believed the forward would be useful for Barca as a back-up to their star trio:

Of course, a switch to the Catalan giants never materialised and seemingly won't based on Miguelsanz's report.

Despite his protestations in the summer, a Champions League club of Arsenal's stature may prove tempting in January.

The striker would be a useful acquisition for the Gunners, who failed to sign a single outfield player in the last transfer window.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

After an uninspiring start to the season, Arsenal's forward play is slowly starting to click. Alexis Sanchez has returned to form to bag four goals in his last two matches, while Theo Walcott has also found the net four times this season and Olivier Giroud three.

However, without another goalscorer—as well as additions in midfield and defence—Arsenal don't look likely to launch a genuine title challenge or compete in Europe.

Indeed, after losing their first two matches and with a double-header against Bayern Munich approaching, the Gunners may not even be in the Champions League come January.

Nolito may not be a marquee name like Karim Benzema, but he is in exceptional form at the moment. The Spaniard has five goals and three assists to his name in six appearances this season, and last year he racked up 13 and 14, respectively.

Here are some of his impressive highlights:

Opta Joe illustrated his outstanding creativity in front of goal:

While Arsenal are perhaps more in need of an out-and-out centre-forward who can take chances rather than another creator, Nolito could free up Walcott to continue in his central role where he has shown promise, or allow Sanchez more licence to play there.

Celta currently reside second in La Liga after an excellent start to their campaign. Though it's likely they won't finish there, if they can continue their outstanding form, Nolito will be far more inclined to stay. If the Gunners do pursue him, it could hinge on their league position come January.

He may not be a particularly long-term acquisition for Arsenal, which could dissuade boss Arsene Wenger, but he could have a very positive impact if he joins.