Despite not having the green flag from La Liga over summer signings, Barcelona have prepared a list of potential targets in multiple positions they want to reinforce.
Juan Foyth leads the list at right-back, while Ilkay Gundogan and Martin Zubimendi are considered top priority for the midfield. Inigo Martinez was best placed as a defensive reinforcement, and has already been signed.
Finally, Barça also want to sign a back-up, or a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, for which they have shortlisted Athletico Paranaense’s Vitor Roque.
The striker has made huge strides in Brazil over the course of this season, and is one the radar of multiple top clubs, including the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
His dream is to play for Barcelona, though, and if reports from Toni Juanmarti are to be believed, Roque is ready to accept a lower salary than what he would get from the Premier League to push for a move to Camp Nou.
Both parties remain optimistic regarding the transfer, and Roque’s statements regarding his potential summer move ought to have helped Barcelona in their pursuit.
“I feel ready to play for Barcelona,” Roque said in an interview in Feburary.
“Playing for Barça is a dream. For any player. If I sign for Barça, my family and I will be very happy. That’s why I keep working hard. I want everything to be sorted out,” he further added.
While it is evident that both parties want to complete the move this summer, the Catalans are dealing with La Liga’s strict FFP rules, which makes the transfer difficult.
However, Barça want to lock him down as soon as possible, even if it means reaching an agreement with Athletico this summer, but postponing the actual move to 2024.
Before Roque, Barcelona were also chasing now-Real Madrid player Endrick and Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko.
