Transfer bid proves Arsenal are serious about striker transfer

So far during the January window there have been a number of Arsenal transfer rumours and most of them have linked the club with either a midfielder or a forward. Arsene Wenger has already admitted that Arsenal are hoping to sign the Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny from Basel but he has been pretty evasive about his plans for a striker.

But if the Evening Standard report is right then the Frenchman is about to show his cards by making a transfer offer of £13.4 million for the Celta Vigo and Spain striker Nolito. This would not be a speculative or opening offer either, because it is the amount of the release clause in the player’s contract.

That would mean that it would be purely the decision of Nolito whether to sign for Arsenal this month or not. Not as simple as you might think, however, as he has also been linked with a possible move to the Champions League and La Liga holders Barcelona. Maybe that is why he has not been included in the squad since the winter break but there has been nothing from Barca and so Wenger might now think the way is clear to make a move.

If the striker does turn us down at least the bid would prove that Arsenal are serious about signing a striker.