Arsenal Transfer News: Top Stars and Latest Rumours Linked to Gunners

Arsenal are on a collision course with La Liga heavy hitters Barcelona this winter as the two clubs prepare to do battle over the signatures of Celta Vigo star Nolito and Bayer Leverkusen maestro Hakan Calhanoglu.

Latest reports have linked Nolito with a January move to the Emirates Stadium, but when asked on the situation by Spanish newspaper AS, the forward said he knew little of their interest, (h/t Sport Witness): "Well, I do not know. If Arsenal want me, I don't know if they have spoken with Celta, but not me."

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Gunners may take solace in that response, however, considering it leaves a lot more to interpretation than the attacker's statement last summer that he would "go to Barcelona or stay at Celta," per Goal's Joe Wright.

The Blaugrana are, of course, free to sign players once again this January as their 2015 transfer embargo reaches its end, and the club may therefore be anxious to get business done.

Nolito was one of Celta's main stars in a 4-1 win over Barcelona earlier this season, helping guide Celta to within just a single point of La Liga leaders Villarreal.

In fact, the excelling Spain international has been the most potent creative force in Spain's top flight so far this term, according to Squawka:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may hope the more lucrative offer of a move to the Premier League gives his side an advantage in the race, with Barcelona under more pressure to meet club guidelines over wages.

Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague recently took place in a Q&A session, where he outlined just how essential player Nolito was for Celta, who will be adamant to hold on to their forward for as long as possible:

The 29-year-old is a malleable asset, one who would be of use to the Gunners both as a winger and potentially in a more central capacity considering his potent record in front of goal.

Nolito has five goals and three assists in seven La Liga appearances this season after scoring 13 goals in 36 league appearances last term, and Arsenal would undoubtedly be better placed to offer guarantees over first-team football.

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The same could be said for Bayer Leverkusen starlet Calhanoglu, who is beginning to attract the attention of Europe's best and brightest, according to reports coming out of his native Turkey (h/t talkSPORT).

The Gunners have been associated as one of those teams hoping to lure the Bundesliga sensation, but the alleged interest of Barcelona will not be a welcome distraction as far as Wenger is concerned.

Both Arsenal and Barcelona are renowned for their willingness to offer youth a chance as institutions, but it can't be denied that the Camp Nou has a special allure after claiming a European and domestic treble last season.

Despite his young years, the Turkey international is quickly gathering momentum as one of the in-form prospects of German football, as shown by OptaJohan:

Calhanoglu has scored eight goals and recorded two assists in 10 appearances for club and country this season, equal to a direct hand in one goal per game.

As mentioned by talkSPORT, the youngster has earned comparisons to current Arsenal star Mesut Ozil who, despite representing his native Germany, was born to Turkish parents.

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The duo would be competing for a similar spot in Wenger's ranks, too, were Calhanoglu to complete a move to north London, although that would be no problem for Gunners fans after seeing winger Theo Walcott move up front.

Calhanoglu brings with him one of the most devastating free-kick records in European football, but the looming presence of Barcelona may throw a spanner in the works of any plans Arsenal had to recruit him.