Vitor Roque is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona, thus handing the Blaugrana a boost in the race to sign the 17-year-old Chelsea target.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Vitor Roque wants to join Barcelona when he moves to Europe. In addition, Deco, the 17-year-old’s advisor, is pushing for the youngster to move to Barcelona. Such a development has come as a blow for other suitors like Chelsea.
Vitor Roque is the latest Brazilian wonderkid to burst into the limelight. The teenage prodigy rose through the ranks at America Futebol Club and Cruzeiro before turning professional. And his stock has skyrocketed since moving to Athletico Paranaense in April 2022.
The 17-year-old has taken no time to establish himself as one of the best young prospects in his homeland. And the youngster has managed a handy tally of seven goals and three assists in 36 appearances for Athletic Paranaense. Vitor Roque’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Barcelona and Chelsea among his prospective suitors.
Reports as early as October 2022 suggested that Barcelona had been seeking an agreement to sign Vitor Roque. And the interest in the teenage whizkid is hardly surprising, considering Robert Lewandowski is well into his thirties. So the Brazilian striker can learn the ropes from the veteran Pole before taking over as the first-choice centre-forward.
With Youssoufa Moukoko signing a new contract with Borussia Dortmund, Vitor Roque has become Barcelona’s top target. And the 17-year-old wonderkid is keen on joining Barcelona when he moves to Europe. Such a development has come as a blow for Chelsea and other suitors.
Recent reports suggested that Chelsea had established contact to secure Vitor Roque’s signature. And with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang blowing hot and cold, the 17-year-old emerged as a viable long-term solution. But with the player keen on joining Barcelona, Chelsea will have to look elsewhere for an offensive reinforcement.
Apart from Chelsea, West Ham United and Paris Saint-Germain also wanted to sign the teenage wonderkid. But the 17-year-old seems destined to join Barcelona. And the Catalan giants are ready to offer three instalments of €10 million, which might be enough to land him.
The Blaugrana will now look to meet the Financial Fair Player requirements to bring the Athletico Paranaense striker to Spotify Camp Nou. For now, Vitor Roque has edged closer to joining Barcelona instead of Chelsea or another club.
