Vitor Roque is reportedly prioritising joining Barcelona instead of Chelsea or West Ham, although his price of €40 million creates an issue.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Vitor Roque is keen on joining Barcelona when he leaves Athletico Paranaense. The Brazilian prodigy is also a target for Chelsea and West Ham United. Meanwhile, Furacao will demand €40 million for the youngster.
Vitor Roque has risen in prominence since joining Athletico Paranaense from Cruzeiro less than a year ago. The 17-year-old is one of the best young strikers in his homeland and has taken age-group football by storm. In addition, he is now a regular for the Furacao and enjoyed a solid 2022 season.
The Brazilian wonderkid has managed a handy tally of seven goals and three assists in 36 outings for Athletic Paranaense. And the teenager is currently making his mark at the under-20 South American Championships. Vitor Roque’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Barcelona, Chelsea, and West Ham United interested.
The teenage sensation has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time. And reports a few months ago suggested that the Blaugrana wanted to secure an agreement for him. But the never-ending financial issues have forced Barcelona to shelve the plans to sign the youngster. However, the 17-year-old is keen on joining them when he leaves Athletico-PR.
As for Chelsea, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the UEFA Champions League squad, it is clear that they will look to sign a striker in the summer. And Vitor Roque is a top target for Chelsea this year. But the Blues also face stiff competition from West Ham United for the 17-year-old.
West Ham signed Danny Ings in January but will still look to sign a young striker in the summer. And they also attempted to land the Brazilian whizkid in the winter window before a move failed to materialise. Meanwhile, Athletico-PR will demand €40 million to part ways with Vitor Roque.
So while the teenage prodigy will prioritise joining Barcelona when he moves to Europe, the Blaugrana might not be able to afford to pay €40 million to sign him. That gives Chelsea an advantage in the race to sign Vitor Roque. And it will be interesting to see where he plies his trade after leaving Athletico-PR.
