Nolito ‘would reject Arsenal for Barca’

Mallo is convinced Nolito is happy at his current club but with both Barcelona and Arsenal reportedly interested in securing his services, he is not sure his teammate will stay.

The forward, who will turn 29 on Thursday, has been heavily linked with Premier League giants Arsenal, with reports suggesting that they would triple his current wage package.

Meanwhile, Nolito has made an excellent start to the 2015/16 campaign.

There are people in powerful positions at Barca who are baulking at the idea of paying €18m for a player who was allowed to leave for free in 2011, however, and would prefer to see Sandro Ramirez and Munir El Haddadi given further chances.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Nolito has his heart set on returning to Barcelona after turning down the club’s offer of a professional contract in 2011.

Nolito, 28, has been with Celta Vigo since 2013 and he’s been a major success with the La Liga outfit.

Stay at Celta, regular minutes are vital if he’s to continue improving..

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. If he continues at this level it will be hard to retain him.

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.