Barcelona to go all out for Arsenal target, could postpone arrival to 2024 if FFP issues persist

According to Joaquim Piera of SPORT, Barcelona have decided to go all out and do whatever is necessary to secure the signing of Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque.

The 18-year-old has been identified as one of the main targets for the Catalans heading into the summer. But recent reports had suggested that they were falling behind Arsenal in the race to sign the Brazilian prodigy. Meanwhile, Chelsea have also shown interest in him.

But, Barcelona remain determined to sign Roque and are prepared to do everything necessary in order to secure his signing.

Roque’s club, Athletico Paranaense, already know about Barça’s interest in him, with advisor Deco having held talks with the Brazilian club’s director, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Meanwhile, Roque continues to prefer a transfer to Barcelona despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG and AC Milan. His agents and family are understood to be in favour of a move to Catalonia as well, even though recent reports suggested that they might lean towards the Premier League.

Barça, at the moment, are said to be in contract negotiations with Roque’s agents. Once they are close to being finalised, the plan is to begin talks with Athletico Paranaense about the transfer fee for the 18-year-old.

While Barcelona’s interest in recruiting Roque is firm, their Financial Fair Play hurdles could become an issue and prevent them from registering him in the summer.

The Blaugrana are, thus, considering an alternative approach in case they are faced with FFP problems. In such a scenario, the La Liga leaders will close Roque’s signing but postpone his arrival by one more year, until 2024.

Instead, they would look to bring in a striker on a free transfer for the next season alone, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang an option, provided he can agree a mutual termination of contract with Chelsea.

What seems clear is that Barcelona are very high on Roque and are not prepared to miss out on his signing even as interest from Arsenal and Chelsea continues to rise.