Barcelona Transfer News: Nolito Reportedly Sets Deadline Amid Arsenal Rumours

Celta Vigo winger Nolito is reportedly ready to give Barcelona a month to make a decision on whether to sign him, with Arsenal also linked with a lucrative move for the Spain international.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football-Espana), the two European juggernauts are keen on the winger, who has dazzled for Celta and the national side so far this season.

Nolito is said to prefer the Blaugrana, who he has played for previously, but he doesn’t want to hang about:

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Mundo Deportivo say the Spain international will receive an approach from the Premier League side that would treble his current wages and, as he nears 29 with his birthday on Thursday, would be the last big contract he signs.

But Nolito wants to return to Camp Nou and would do so even if Barca’s offer was lower than that of the Gunners, MD suggesting that a desire for his children to be born in Barcelona also a factor.

Nolito also wants to know where Barca stand as Arsenal’s offer has already been lodged, and he has given Barca a month to make a decision.

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Football-Espana goes on to note there are some in “powerful positions” at the Camp Nou who remain unsure about paying €18 million (£13.34 million) for a player who walked away on a free transfer in 2011.

The chances of burgeoning youngsters such as Sandro Ramirez and Munir El Haddadi being dented is another issue mentioned.

However, Nolito has grown into a much more rounded, mature and dangerous footballer since he left Barcelona.

Here’s a look at his highlights from a marvellous 2014-15 season at Balaidos:

The Blaugrana could certainly do with a player of his quality. While getting into the team before the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar may be an unconquerable challenge for Nolito, he’d most likely be first deputy should anything happen to prevent any of the devastating trio taking to the field.

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Indeed, Nolito would potentially be a perfect replacement for Pedro, who left the Camp Nou for Chelsea in the summer.

Like the club’s former winger, the Celta man is a direct operator, has a goalscoring instinct and, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, is also a hugely creative player:

Having left Barcelona to get regular football four years ago, there will most likely be some trepidation about returning to Catalonia in the player’s mind—even though offers from a club as grand as the Blaugrana will always be tantalising.

But regular games at Celta have allowed Nolito to become one of the standout players in La Liga and a part of the national side.

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As Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror stated during the recent international break, the 28-year-old is becoming more and more prominent for Spain:

Arsenal would be an intriguing option, especially if, as reported earlier, they were keen on offering a substantial salary.

But while their first XI may not have the quality to compare with Barcelona’s, in terms of depth, they’re a lot better off in the attacking positions. As such, Nolito would be battling for a spot in the team week after week.

Celta will be desperate to keep hold of their prized asset, with Nolito’s vibrant brand of forward play helping them to third place in the La Liga table.

Until a club comes along who can give the winger guarantees of regular first-team football, Nolito’s current team surely remains the best place for him continue underlining his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting and effective attackers.