Celta Vigo star Nolito discusses Arsenal and Barcelona interest in January transfer move

Celta Vigo sensation Nolito has said he is trying to ignore rumours of a January move to either Arsenal or Barcelona. The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with both outfits in recent weeks, having scored five goals in seven La Liga appearances during an impressive start to the season.

Reports in the summer claimed the Catalan giants had already earmarked Nolito as the perfect replacement for current Chelsea star Pedro Rodriguez. Manager Luis Enrique has always been open in his admiration of the player, having coach him in both the Barcelona B team and at Vigo.

Meanwhile, reports in both Sport and the Mirror suggest that the Gunners would be keen on moving for him in January, after Arsene Wenger failed to sign a forward last summer.

Celta Vigo sporting director Miguel Torrecilla recently admitted the coveted star could leave during the January transfer window if any suitors met his release clause, which, according to local newspaper Faro de Vigo, is set at £18.3m ($28.14m).

Nolito has now spoken out about his future during a long interview with Mundo Deportivo.

Asked about Arsenal's interest in securing his services, he responds: "Well, you see everyone is asking for me, but I'm still here at Celta..."

"As I have already said I try to stay out of [rumours] because it is not good to distract myself with those things."

Speaking about a potential return to the Camp Nou, he added: "What I know is that I'm happy at Vigo. I try to stay out of this as I have four and a half years remaining on my contract at Celta and I must respect my club. I am calm, what has to happen will happen, both in good way or in a bad. I'm happy at Vigo, focused on my work, I have targets in my head and I have to keep working."