Barcelona are reportedly close to signing Celta Vigo forward Nolito on loan for the rest of the campaign.
The 29-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a winter switch to Arsenal, with manager Arsene Wenger at one stage even said to be offering Joel Campbell as a makeweight in order to reduce the Spaniard's £13.5m price tag.
Last week Nolito reportedly turned down the Gunners however, instead expressing his desire to return to Barcelona, whom he left for Benfica in 2011.
The La Liga champions' strict self-imposed financial restraints mean that they are unable to meet Vigo's asking price during this window, although according to The Mirror, sporting director Robert Fernandez has secured a deal that will see him move to Camp Nou on loan for the remainder of the season.
Under the agreement, Barcelona will make the move permanent in the summer or pay a penalty fee to the Sky Blues, who currently sit fifth in La Liga.
Neil Wilkes
