Barcelona will have to shell out €45-50 million for primary striker target – Romano

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona will have to shell out a sum of €45-50 million if they wish to sign Athletico Paranaense in the summer transfer window.

The 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy has been identified as the primary striker target for the Catalan giants heading into the summer. But, the centre-forward is also being pursued by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and PSG.

It has been reported that Roque himself is prioritising a transfer to Barcelona despite the interest from England and France. And Romano corroborates those claims, stating that the teenager indeed prefers a move to Catalonia in the summer.

But for that to happen, Athletico Paranaense will hold out for a fee of around €45-50 million, which could become an impediment to the Blaugrana.

It is no secret that Barcelona are going through problems with regard to La Liga’s Financial Fair Play which will make it difficult for them to spend freely in the summer transfer window.

Given the situation, signing Roque by spending close to €50 million could become a difficult task to achieve.

Hence, the possibility of closing the deal with Athletico Paranaense this summer with the striker’s arrival postponed to 2024 is being considered. At the same time, the Catalans are also likely to explore the chances of a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option as well.

Earlier today, Roque’s father and his agent were spotted leaving Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva complex, indicating that a meeting might have taken place between the two parties.

But, as Romano claims, the 18-year-old’s entourage has been to Paris and London as well to listen to proposals and assess the options.

Barcelona, though, remain extremely keen to sign Roque and the player himself wants to join the Blaugrana. So, it will come down to whether the Catalans can reach a favourable agreement with Athletico Paranaense for his signing.