Barcelona have cooled their interest in Arsenal target Nabil Fekir, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The Blaugrana have been heavily linked with a move for the France international, who is also being courted by Premier League side Arsenal.
However, the arrival of Philippe Coutinho and impending move for Gremio’s Arthur means Barcelona are no longer prepared to spend big to sign Fekir.
That leaves the Gunners with a free run at the Lyon star, who has been in fine form this season.
Fekir’s WhoScored rating (7.97) is second to Neymar (9.01) in Ligue 1 this term, with the 24-year-old netting 16 and providing a further six assists for Champions League chasing Lyon.
The French side would be reluctant to cash in on their star man before the World Cup, as they believe they could command a higher fee should he excel in Russia.
Arsenal are now the frontrunners for his signature, however, after Barcelona decided to pull the plug on any potential deal for Fekir.
