Nolito wants new Celta deal and won’t join Arsenal or Barcelona

Arsenal’s hopes of landing Nolito in January have been dealt a blow after the player admitted he is close to signing a new deal with Celta Vigo.

The 29-year-old has continued to be linked with a move away from Celta with Arsenal and Barcelona among the frontrunners to sign the forward who can also operate on the left wing.

But the Daily Mirror are reporting that Nolito will renew his contract in Spain “very soon” although there are some “minor details pending”.

Arsenal are thought to have made an initial enquiry about his services, but according to Nolito, Barcelona have not been in contact.

Arsene Wenger’s side were thought to be in pole position to land him as Barca would be unable to pay his likely £12m fee in January.

“They are only rumours. I want to be loud and clear, it is only what I have read in the press and what my friends have told me,” Nolito said of the ongoing speculation over his future.

“I think that if Barca really want me they’ll call Celta, and as far as I know they haven’t done so.

“The truth is that I am happy in Vigo and that is why, some minor details pending, I will be renewing with Celta soon. I am only sure that I am doing well here and I have decided to renew.”

Nolito has scored eight goals in 15 appearances in all competitions this season.