Arsenal plotting £13.4m bid for Celta Vigo forward Nolito - reports

The Gunners are top of the Premier League, through to the knock-out stges of the Champions League and in the fourth round of the FA Cup

Celta Vigo striker Nolito (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to step up his January business with a £13.4m bid for Celta Vigo forward Nolito.

The 29-year-old is said to have a buy-out clause equalling that amount in his contract and has scored a respectable 35 goals in 84 appearances for the La Liga outfit since joining from Benfica in 2013.

Nolito, a former Barcelona player, has been linked with a return to the Nou Camp in recent weeks but a report by Mundo Deportivo suggests Arsenal are in the driving seat.

Wenger wants to appease the occasionally jumpy fans at the Emirates as he launches their first credible Premier League title tilt in years.

Meanwhile the Gunners are facing more frustration as they wait for Mohamed Elnany’s move from Basel to go through.

A £7.4m fee has been agreed between the two parties but Wenger has suggested work permit problems could be at play behind the delay.

The North Londoners travel to face Liverpool on Wednesday night. Before that clash, Wenger said yesterday: “I believe many clubs will be active. It could be one of the most active windows ever.

“We hope to have things done this week. I'm optimistic about the case. There are a lot of work permit problems and special paperwork on his visa.

“As long as it is not definitely signed you have to be cautious.”