Barcelona will reportedly sign Vitor Roque, a target for Arsenal and Chelsea, from Athletico Paranaense in a deal worth €40 million.
According to a report by 90min, Vitor Roque is on the verge of joining Barcelona. The Brazilian international was also a target for Arsenal and Chelsea. But the Blaugrana and Athletico-PR have sealed an agreement worth €40 million, with the 2005-born striker remaining at his current club until the end of the year.
Vitor Roque is one of the most promising young strikers in the world. A pivotal figure for Athletico Paranaense despite still being in his teens, the 18-year-old has seen his stock skyrocket in the last 15 months. He has also guided his nation to the Under-20 South American Championships during this period.
In addition, the Brazilian international has made his debut for the Selecao this year. Meanwhile, the youngster has been in fine form this season, amassing 15 goals and five assists in 29 appearances. But Vitor Roque’s stint with Athletico-PR will end this year after Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea chased him.
Arsenal and Chelsea were the most consistent competitors against Barcelona in the race to secure Vitor Roque’s services. But the 18-year-old was never interested in joining either Arsenal or Chelsea. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur arrived late on the scene to steal his signing from Barcelona.
Vitor Roque to Barcelona, here we go! Brazilian gem born in 2005 will play for Barça. 🚨🔵🔴🇧🇷 #FCB
Understand documents are also done! Agreement fixed as Barça and Athletico Paranaense are checking all contracts.
❗️ Current plan is for Vitor to join Barça in January 2024. pic.twitter.com/yhH8gaBP5H
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023
But the 2005-born Brazilian wonderkid had his heart set on joining Barcelona. And the Catalan giants had been working hard to finalise a January deal for the youngster. The move is now on the verge of completion, with Barcelona and Athletico Paranaense sealing the agreement over a deal worth €40 million.
Personal terms were never going to be an issue, considering Vitor Roque’s eagerness to move to Barcelona. And he will arrive at the Catalan club when the January transfer window opens. The deal works well for Athletico Paranaense, considering he will represent them throughout the 2023 season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will view the 18-year-old as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. And the 2005-born prodigy will hope to learn the ropes from the wily Pole before becoming the first-choice striker. As for Arsenal and Chelsea, it will be interesting to see who they target after losing the race to sign Vitor Roque.