Barcelona have made Vitor Roque of Athletico Paranaense their primary target to strengthen their attacking unit ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old centre-forward has enjoyed a tremendous rise in stature over the past year owing to his exploits for Athletico as well as the Brazil U-20 side. He has even made his senior debut for the Selecao recently and has already scored four goals in nine games in the new season.
However, Barcelona’s pursuit of the teenage sensation has become complicated due to their Financial Fair Play issues. And now, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation surrounding the 18-year-old, which could create further concerns at Camp Nou.
As per the transfer expert, Roque does not wish to wait for long to decide on his next destination. The striker wishes to pick his next club soon and does not want to delay the move until late in the summer window.
Barcelona remain Roque’s favourite option but there has been no progress made in talks due to their FFP situation. Arsenal, for one, have been credited with the strongest interest in the 18-year-old but no concrete talks have been held on that front either.
On top of that, Romano adds that more Premier League clubs are now entering the race to sign Roque in the summer.
It has already been reported that apart from Arsenal, Chelsea also hold an interest in the Athletico Paranaense and Brazil striker. Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the 18-year-old sensation in the recent past.
While Romano’s update does not mention the Premier League clubs that are now entering the race for Roque, it certainly makes things complicated for Barcelona. The entry of more teams in the race would only serve to drive the teenager’s asking price higher, putting him further beyond the Catalans’ reach.
It remains to be seen how Barcelona proceed in their pursuit of Roque and whether they are forced to switch their attention to other targets amid rising Premier League interest.
