Arsenal Transfer News: Major Nolito Blow, Latest on Michy Batshuayi, Top Rumours

Celta Vigo talisman Nolito won't be arriving at Arsenal this winter, according to a prominent La Liga expert, while the Gunners are also falling behind in the hunt for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.

Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague this week declared Arsenal won't make a move for Nolito due to the fact his £12.6 million (€17.2 million) release clause is too rich for their tastes, per the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson:

"I know for a fact that Arsenal don't want him. They feel for €18 million (£12.6 million), it's not what they're looking for. So instead of me answering, that's Arsenal answering for you."

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One would think manager Arsene Wenger would be eager to add winter reinforcements after failing to sign a single senior outfield player over the summer. However, Arsenal have battled through their injury woes and sit second in the Premier League, just two points off the summit.

To the disappointment of those fans seeking big investment, the north Londoners' recruitment plans may therefore not be all that drastic, even if Nolito seems like a realistic target.

The 29-year-old has eight goals and five assists to his name in 15 La Liga appearances this season, but Nolito is an older target than Wenger has become accustomed to during his reign at the Emirates Stadium.

Theo Walcott looks likely to revert back to the wings, but Danny Welbeck is still yet to feature this season due to injury, and the Gunners may need cover out wide. Squawka recently highlighted Nolito as one of Europe's elite playmaking presences so far this season:

Olivier Giroud has re-established himself as the Gunners' frontman after a period on the sidelines, but that hasn't stopped rumours escalating at the Emirates in regards to a move for Marseille youngster Batshuayi.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to north London, but French outlet Foot365 reported this week that it's Tottenham Hotspur who have made the first move for his signature (h/t Star's Anderson).

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Arsenal's bitter rivals are alleged to have "opened informal talks" with Les Olympiens, while Newcastle United are also hunting the Belgium international's signature, per the Chronicle's Chris Waugh.

According to Waugh, Marseille are seeking a sizeable £21 million sum for Batshuayi, but the chances of Arsenal landing the player are boosted due to the fact Belgian expert John Chapman says Marseille need funds:

Batshuayi is an attractive prospect, after netting 14 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions this season and helping Marseille become third-highest scorers in Ligue 1 this season despite sitting 10th in the standings.

Even though Marseille may be willing to sell their star, a winter move appears unlikely for Arsenal, especially with confidence once again on the up at the Emirates following the club's promising run of late.

That being said, the 2-1 win over Manchester City on Monday puts the Gunners in prime position for a title charge, and winter reinforcements would be one way to ensure that run of form continues.

Welbeck is set to return from injury in the new year, according to Sky Sports, and will offer some cover, but former Standard Liege wonderkid Batshuayi is an option enjoying an entirely more fruitful string of success in France.

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Another Ligue 1 prospect in Arsenal's sights is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who is actively chasing a move to north London, according to the Sun (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson).

The 20-year-old has a contentious relationship at Parc des Princes after falling afoul of PSG's hierarchy in recent months, but it's reported the French champions will block the £10 million anchor from moving in January.