Barcelona set to face Newcastle United battle in the race for priority striker target

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has highlighted Newcastle United’s interest in the services of Raphinha. The Barcelona winger has emerged as a transfer priority for the Premier League club as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

However, the report also points out that Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Vitor Roque as well. The Athletico Paranaense forward is one of Barcelona’s priority targets in the coming summer. He is considered a strategically crucial target as the club look to find a reliable long-term alternative for Robert Lewandowski.

Vitor Roque himself has shown the desire to join the Catalan club, with his father even holding talks with the club’s representatives earlier in the year. Although the forward is keen on getting the transfer done as soon as possible, Barcelona are likely to take some time facilitating the deal.

This is because of the club’s ongoing woes with the Financial Fair Play rules, with the board facing the difficult task of removing €200 million from the salary mass. Using the sale of various players, Barça are looking to generate around €100 million.

But the remaining funds may have to come in the form of a departure of a crucial player. Raphinha, for one, has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, among other clubs, while Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are in contention to leave as well.

One would imagine Barcelona will use the fresh revenue to fund a move for Vitor Roque. Although Athletico PR are demanding a hefty valuation for the attacker, the player’s entourage believes a solution can be achieved, in which the Brazilian outfit will allow Barça to navigate through the FFP rules to facilitate the transfer.

Barcelona are also open to the idea of postponing Roque’s arrival until 2024 after agreeing a deal with Athletico this summer.

But with Newcastle ready to flex their financial muscle in the coming summer, along with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, the Catalans must move swiftly if they are to sign the highly-rated Brazilian.