At this point, it has become abundantly clear that Barcelona are very much interested in signing Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense in the summer. The striker, who turned 18 on Tuesday, has also made it clear that he dreams of a move to Camp Nou.
Barça, at this point, have no natural backup for Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 slot and see Roque as the ideal signing. They believe that the teenager can be a solid understudy to the Poland captain before eventually taking over as the main man for the club.
And, according to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are already holding talks with Athletico Paranaense over a possible move for Roque.
The Italian transfer expert goes on to claim that the Blaugrana have already had an initial approach worth around €25-30 million rejected by the Brazilian outfit.
Contracted with the club until 2027, the 18-year-old has a massive release clause worth €100 million. While Athletico will not hold out for the entire exit clause amount, they will also not accept a figure as low as €30 million and will demand a sizeable fee for their crown jewel.
Roque signed for Athletico Paranaense from Cruzeiro in April last year and has managed seven goals and three assists from 37 matches.
Recently, the 18-year-old helped Brazil win the South American U-20 Championship, finishing as the joint top-scorer in the competition.
A number of top clubs, including Arsenal, are understood to have scouted Roque. But the 18-year-old has his heart set on a move to Barcelona and is pushing for a transfer to Camp Nou in the summer.
The Blaugrana, for their part, are in talks with the player and his entourage, as well as Athletico Paranaense as they look to wrap up a deal for Roque. But, it will likely take a higher offer than the €25-30 million initial proposal that was tabled for the teenage sensation.
