Just a while ago, Sky Sports News in England reported that Barcelona had made Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang their priority target to strengthen the No. 9 position in the summer.
However, reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has come up with a fresh update, stating that Athletico Paranaense’s Vitor Roque continues to be the favourite option to reinforce the centre-forward position at Barcelona.
Roque, 18, has been on the Catalans’ radars for some time now and has even expressed his desire to don the Blaugrana colours next season. His father and agent had travelled to Catalonia not long ago to hear about the club’s plans for the teenager.
Like Roque, his entourage also wants him to end up at Spotify Camp Nou. However, negotiations for the striker are set to be tricky as he is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League.
Indeed, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are all keen on signing Roque and will be able to splash the cash freely to secure his services, something that Barça cannot do at this point.
Romano had previously reported that Athletico Paranaense will likely demand around €45-50 million for their crowned jewel.
However, given the club’s financial fair play issues, the Catalan giants are not in a position to shell out that sum at this point.
But they hope that Athletico agree to a favourable mode of payment in multiple instalments due to the striker’s insistence on wanting to join Barcelona. Club emissaries are expected to fly to Brazil soon to initiate formal negotiations for his signing.
However, in case Barcelona are unable to secure Roque’s signing, Aubameyang would be seen as the most viable backup option.
The 33-year-old knows the club and had a good six-month spell last year, while he is understood to have a good relationship with Xavi and the squad. The veteran is also ready to take a pay cut to return to Barça, but the club will only consider a move for him if he arrives for free.
