Nolito could be getting closer to moving from Celta Vigo to Barcelona in the January transfer window, with this week potentially crucial.
Mundo Deportivo cites claims by Onda Cero’s Al Primer Toque programme that say the next few days could see an ‘acceleration’ in the Catalans’ attempts to get the forward out of Balaidos.
Celta have thus far resisted any attempt by Barca to negotiate for Nolito, with Barca reluctant to meet his €19m clause.
Nolito is also recovering from an injury, but there has been interest from the likes of Arsenal in his signature.
Barca Coach Luis Enrique, having worked with Nolito both for the Blaugrana’s B team and in his year at Celta, has made the forward a priority for the winter.
An attempt by Barca to take Nolito on loan until the end of the season with a compulsory agreement for a permanent signing in the summer was rebuffed by the Galicia club.
Mundo Deportivo note that they have previously said this week would see an ‘intensification’ of Barca’s interest in Nolito, a claim now backed up by Al Primer Toque.
Sport meanwhile agree Nolito is closer to Barca and say it will be the proposed loan and compulsory purchase deal previously rejected.
Citing other sources in the Catalan media, Sport add that Sandro Ramirez or Munir El Haddadi could come into the operation.
Should Nolito join then Barca will give up on re-signing Denis Suarez from Villarreal, who was touted as an alternative if first choice Nolito proved impossible.
