Chelsea pressing to sign Barcelona’s priority attacking target – report

Vitor Roque is one of the players linked with a move to Barcelona this coming summer, with the young forward identified as a crucial strategic target for the Catalan outfit.

Currently plying his trade for Athletico Paranaense, Vitor Roque has made it clear his intention to play for Barcelona. But the operation is becoming seemingly difficult for Barça, as they continue to struggle with their financial woes.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s pursuit of Vitor Roque is about to get complicated further, with Chelsea stepping up their efforts to sign the young Brazilian.

Roque is not the only Barcelona target Chelsea are keeping tabs on, with the Blues also keen on the services of Ilkay Gundogan.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang enduring a forgettable season at Stamford Bridge and subsequently links to Barcelona, Chelsea are desperate to sign a new number nine in the market, with Vitor Roque identified as the ideal option.

As per the report, Chelsea are moving quickly with the proposal and are looking to get ahead of other competitors. Arsenal, too, are involved in the pursuit, but it is the Blues who are making ground.

Athletico PR have conceded the fact that they have to offload their attacking asset in the coming summer. They are looking for the highest bidders, which gives Chelsea and Arsenal the advantage as they have economic superiority over Barcelona.

However, the Catalans will not throw in the towel just yet. They are looking for economic solutions that will enable them to sign the youngster. The club are even open to the idea of sending Roque back to Brazil, in order to sweeten the deal.

But with Vitor Roque reportedly keen on sealing his exit as quickly as possible, it appears Barça are slowly losing their grip on the attacking whizkid.