Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Nolito and More

Barcelona will make Celta Vigo striker Nolito their priority signing this summer, according to Javier Giraldo of Spanish news outlet Sport.

A move for the 29-year-old attacker appeared to have lost momentum following January's failed attempt to bring the Spain international to Camp Nou due to the club's poor financial situation.

However, following a successful season on and off the field for the Catalan giants, the Liga and Copa del Rey holders are now reportedly in a more favourable position to match Nolito's release clause.

According to Giraldo, officials at Barcelona understand coach Luis Enrique's motives to move for the forward, since he worked with him twice while in charge of the B team and during his time at Celta. The board are now prepared to meet Nolito's €18 million (£14 million) release.

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The former Benfica attacker made his international debut with La Roja in 2014 before adding to his tally with two more caps in 2015. However, it was not until the 2015-16 Liga campaign that national team head coach Vicente del Bosque allowed Nolito a first-team role.

The hardworking forward has repaid his confidence with four goals in his previous two outings to secure his place in the 23-man squad for this summer's European Championship.

WhoScored.com noted the creative influence Nolito has had at Celta over recent years:

Per Giraldo, Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez admitted on Thursday the club had previously made a move for Celta's main goalscoring threat, but he refused to speak at length on the subject to avoid spoiling any possible deal

“In January, we tried to sign [Nolito] but in the end, for motives which you know, we couldn’t make the deal," he said. 

"At the moment I can’t confirm or deny anything. Talking about players can prejudice deals. He has a contract with Celta and we have all the respect in the world for him and for Celta."

OptaJose highlighted the player's bright start to the most recent season:

Nolito scored 12 goals in 29 league appearances during 2015-16, helping fire Celta to sixth place in the Primera Division, per WhoScored.com.

Despite the triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, Enrique is eager to add to his attacking options and the club's interest remains genuine. Ahead of the 2016-17 financial cycle, Barca are now in a better position to match his release clause and seal a move.