According to Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo, Brazilian sensation Vitor Roque is continuing to prioritise a move to Barcelona amid rising interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, and AC Milan.
Roque, 18, has become one of Barcelona’s top targets heading into the summer transfer window. The Blaugrana view the teenage prodigy as the ideal cover for Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 position before he can take over as the first-choice striker in a few years.
Talks had already taken place with his entourage as well as his current club, Athletico Paranaense, over a summer move.
However, the Catalan giants’ Financial Fair Play situation has created some uncertainty within the youngster’s entourage, who are now said to be exploring other options.
Indeed, Roque’s father and agents were spotted in London recently, where they are believed to have held talks with Arsenal and Chelsea, while they have reportedly visited Paris recently as well. AC Milan, too, are exploring the possibility of signing the 18-year-old.
In fact, some reports even suggest that Arsenal are best positioned to sign the Brazilian attacker in the summer transfer window.
Despite that, though, Roque is still said to be keen on joining Barcelona in the summer. To that end, the 18-year-old will not rush into a decision on his future right away and will wait until July to take a call as Barça’s Financial Fair Play situation would have become much clearer by then.
Barcelona, for their part, want to rope in the talented youngster. However, there are a lot of variable factors involved at the moment, such as their FFP situation which could hamper their ability to sign and register players, as well as their pursuit of Lionel Messi.
If the former captain agrees to return to Barça, the club will have to assess whether they can fit him into the wage bill and add players such as Roque.
Given the situation, the 18-year-old has, as per the report, decided to wait until July before taking a final call on his next move.
