Vitor Roque: Romano reveals TRUTH behind Barcelona transfer

Robin Bairner

• 14 Jun 2023 07:31 BST
• 3 min read

Reports that Barcelona have complete a deal to sign Athletico Paranaense wonderkid Vitor Roque are off the mark, according to Fabrizio Romano, who does bring fans of the Camp Nou club some good news in relation to the young Brazilian attacker.

Vitor Roque is one of the hottest prospects on the transfer market this summer, with the 18-year-old interesting numerous big clubs around Europe. Chelsea and Manchester United had been credited with an interest in him previously, but Arsenal and Barcelona have been leading the way with regard a transfer.

Reports in Spain have branded Barca’s move for the teenager, which is expected to be around the €40 million mark, as a done deal, but Romano has countered that with his own information.

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According to the transfer market specialist, Vitor Roque is indeed one of the Catalans’ main summer priorities. He added that even before the deal with Lionel Messi collapsed, he was a player that Barca wanted “at all costs”.

Although the Camp Nou side do appear to be closing in on the player, there are “many things to discuss” before a deal is done.

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Firstly, Barcelona need to find a way of beating their Financial Fair Play sanctions. This means that they will have to sell players before the end of the month. Barca appear to be making slow progress in this regard.

Secondly, not everything in Vitor Roque’s contract is agreed with Barca. According to Romano, there are still a number of clauses that need to be discussed and finalised.

Barca well placed for Vitor Roque as Arsenal deal ‘absolutely cold’

The news regarding the player’s move to Barcelona is broadly good for the Catalans, though. Romano reports that Vitor Roque is prepared to wait for the LaLiga champions, who appear to have won the race for the player.

Arsenal appreciate the Brazilian youngster but are not willing to pay €40m for him. According to Romano, the deal has gone “absolutely cold”, with the Gunners out of the running for now at least.

For Barcelona, signing Vitor Roque should simply be a case of getting their finances in order and completing the formalities of the contract negotiation.