West Ham United will reportedly compete with Chelsea and Manchester United for 19-year-old Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.
According to a report by Claret and Hugh, Vitor Roque is the subject of interest from West Ham United. Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen on signing the Barcelona whizkid in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old striker is contemplating leaving the Catalan outfit.
Vitor Roque and his Barcelona travails
Vitor Roque has cut a frustrated figure since joining Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in January 2024. The Brazilian international would have hoped to feature regularly for the Blaugrana after arriving from his ideal scenario at his previous club. However, game time has come at a premium for the teenage prospect.
While the 19-year-old has turned out 13 times thus far for Barcelona, he has managed only 310 minutes of game time, chipping in with two goals. Xavi Hernandez has not even handed him starts when the Catalan giants do not have anything else to play for this season. So, it is hardly surprising that the youngster has become increasingly frustrated with his situation.
Vitor Roque’s situation at FC Barcelona has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, particularly from the Premier League. A recent report also claimed that intermediaries had offered him to Chelsea and Manchester United, two clubs interested in him. In addition, the teenager is a target for West Ham United.
England calls?
West Ham United’s interest in Vitor Roque is understandable. Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are the two recognised strikers in the East London club’s squad. So, Jarrod Bowen has played as a makeshift centre-forward for much of the 2023/24 season. West Ham can thus do with a new striker, with the disgruntled Barcelona whizkid emerging as a viable target.
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils want someone to replace Anthony Martial, who will depart from Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Chelsea will delve into the market for a striker in the summer transfer window, although they will prioritise signing a more experienced attacker.
A move to the Premier League might see the light of day, with Andre Cury recently claiming a loan move is not an option for the Brazilian international. It will be interesting to see if West Ham can beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the Barcelona wonderkid this summer.
