Barcelona will reportedly meet the representatives of Vitor Roque at the end of this week, with Athletico Paranaense demanding €50 million.
According to SER Catalunya, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, the representatives of Vitor Roque will meet Barcelona by the end of this week. Meanwhile, Athletico Paranaense will demand €50 million for 85 per cent of his rights. And the teenage wonderkid wants to join Barcelona when he leaves his current club.
Vitor Roque has become a highly sought-after figure in the market since joining Athletico Paranaense last year. The 18-year-old enjoyed a solid season with them before embarking on a memorable under-20 South American Championships campaign. And he guided Brazil to a triumphant run in the tournament in Colombia.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian prodigy has enjoyed an excellent start to the new season, scoring thrice in four games. Vitor Roque’s progress has also earned him his senior debut for Brazil in the ongoing international break. At the same time, several top clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, are keen on signing him.
Barcelona will enter the market in the summer transfer window looking for a backup for Robert Lewandowski. At the same time, the Catalan giants want a player who can be the long-term successor to the veteran Pole. Considering Lewandowski is in the final phase of his glittering career, Barcelona must plan for life after him.
Vitor Roque will thus be a one-stop solution for Barcelona. And the teenage wonderkid can initially learn the ropes from Lewandowski before becoming the first-choice striker. Meanwhile, the 18-year-old is prioritising joining Barcelona over any other club interested in him.
The Brazilian whizkid recently turned down Arsenal as he wants to move to Spotify Camp Nou. And the Catalan giants have now scheduled a meeting with Vitor Roque’s representatives. The two parties will meet this week to hash out further details. Meanwhile, Athletico Paranaense will demand €50 million for 85 per cent of the player’s rights.
It is unclear if Barcelona will be open to shelling out €50 million to sign the teenage wonderkid. But it will be interesting to see what comes out of the latest round of talks between the Blaugrana and the player’s entourage. For now, a summer move seems likely.
