According to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are ready to outcast Barcelona in their race to sign the 29-year-old attacker by triggering the £13.4m clause.
The Celta Vigo attacker has netted eight times along with providing five assists in 15 La Liga matches this season after scoring 13 last season to make it to the Spain national team. The 29-year-old striker has been one of Celta Vigo’s key players this season as they are pushing hard for a place in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger is desperate to add more firepower in his squad as he looks to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
But the Gunners will face a tough challenge from Barcelona who also want the Spaniard back after selling him to Benfica earlier in his career.
However, two weeks ago Reports claimed that Wenger was interested to move for a deal with Joel Campbell set to be offered as part of a swap deal.
But later Spanish publication Sport revealed Nolito has decided to ignore the interest from Arsenal as he was hoping for a return to Barcelona. The striker was said to be keen to move back to Nou Camp and play under Luis Enrique after struggling to make an impact when Pep Guardiola was Barcelona’s coach.
Nolito only made two appearances for the Catalans in the 2010/2011 campaign but failed to make an impression and was ultimately released.
The Celta forward would give Arsene Wenger another option either on the flank or in attack as the Gunners hope to maintain their Premier League lead. Nolito is small in stature and would provide a more mobile option if Olivier Giroud is rested or picks up injury.
Arsenal are also interested in Sevilla midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak as Wenger is going through as many options available right now. The French boss, before the transfer window opened, insisted that Arsenal will be very active this January transfer market and rope in replacement for the injured Francis Coquelin in defensive midfield role and have been linked with a number of midfielders.
Arsenal next have a challenging trip to Liverpool tomorrow before going to Stoke City on Sunday.