Just 18 years of age, Vitor Roque is already making big waves back in Brazil, so much so that, clubs across Europe have taken note of the Athletico Paranaense striker, with Barcelona emerging as one of his strongest suitors.
Indeed, the Blaugrana are intent on signing Roque in the summer as an understudy and the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.
The current La Liga leaders have already held negotiations with Athletico Paranaense about a transfer and talks are understood to have progressed in a positive manner.
Roque, for his part, has already admitted that he desires to play for Barcelona. “I feel ready to play for Barcelona,” he had said.
And in a recent interview with Globo Esporte, the teenage sensation stated that he feels ready and prepared to play in Europe.
“I definitely feel prepared to play in Europe. I work for it, I’m focused on getting there as prepared as possible,” Roque said.
Roque enjoyed a solid campaign last time out with Athletico Paranaense. Following up on that, the 18-year-old striker helped Brazil win the South American U-20 Championship earlier this year, finishing as the joint top-scorer in the competition.
A special talent, the young centre-forward is expected to cost in the range of €35 million for Barcelona.
With the player keen on the move, it might not be much longer before things pick up speed in the Catalan giants’ pursuit of Roque, although they must find a way to navigate the FFP issues before finalising the transfer.