A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Vitor Roque, suggesting that the club have finally decided to sign the Athletico Paranaense whizkid this coming summer.
Barça had identified Roque as one of their main targets ahead of the new season. However, due to a lack of definition of their limitations in the market, the club were a bit hesitant in pursuing the player.
But as per the latest report, Barcelona have decided to go after Roque after making a careful analysis of their sporting and economic conditions. They have come to the conclusion that signing the Brazilian whizkid could be integral for the club’s future, as they require a high-level substitute for Robert Lewandowski.
Vitor Roque, who has bagged 14 goals since making his professional debut for Athletico PR, is regarded as the next big thing in Brazilian football. Needless to say, his performances have not gone unnoticed, with other European giants also keen on his services.
Barcelona, though, have a notable advantage in the sense that the forward himself is desperate to play for the Blaugrana. Another advantage, as pointed out by the report, is the fact that Barcelona have a bit of time to make their economic manoeuvres.
This is because Mario Celso Petraglia, the president of Athletico PR, has been admitted to the hospital for several weeks due to an infection. This is giving Barça some breathing time, which they could use to ascertain the club’s powers and limitations in the transfer market this summer.
The services of Vitor Roque could come at a fee of around €35-40 million. Barcelona are aware of this, but require some time to process the sale of their unwanted players, before they can fund the operation.
