Celta Vigo: Arsenal and Barcelona target Nolito can leave if clubs meet £18.3m release clause

Celta Vigo sporting director Miguel Torrecilla has admitted coveted star Nolito could leave the club during the January transfer window if any suitors meet his release clause. The Spain international has reportedly attracted the attention of Arsenal and Barcelona after scoring five goals in seven La Liga appearances during an impressive start to the campaign.

In a press conference, Torrecilla revealed the club are on the verge of rewarding Nolito with a new deal that, according to local newspaper Faro de Vigo, will set his release clause in £18.3m ($28.14m). But he claims the renewal will not assure the 28-year-old's long-term future at the club.

"Nolito's renewal deal is basically done. We just need to sign the document," he said, as quoted by Faro de Vigo. "I can't guarantee Nolito will stay in January. When there's a buyout fee, you can't guarantee anything."

Nolito, meanwhile, has claimed he is calm about the rumours linking with a January move as his current focus is to try and help Celta. "I am relaxed and helping Celta as much as I can. I have disconnected from everything they say about me. I always try to be happy and relaxed. So, in this respect, I am trying to be the same [as always]," he said, as quoted by Sport speaking from the Spain national team camp.

The Champions League winners have been linked with the forward since the summer after reports in Spain claimed that Luis Enrique has earmarked him as the top target to fill the gap left by the departure of Pedro to Chelsea – having already coached Nolito both at the Barcelona second team and at Vigo.

But at the start of October, Sport, suggested Arsenal were in pole position to secure his services as the Catalans are ready to turn their attention to a younger, cheaper alternative. The Mirror later confirmed the news while adding that after Arsene Wenger failed to sign a forward, he is considering making a £14m bid to secure his services.