Chelsea are now ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign Athletico Paranaense wonderkid Vitor Roque.
That is according to a story from Mundo Deportivo in Spain.
However, it is said that Barcelona are not giving up hope of beating Chelsea to Vitor Roque.
What’s the story?
Well, it sounds as if the Spanish giants have a few tricks up their sleeve.
Mundo Deportivo believe Barcelona will try to use the presence of Deco – currently Director of Football at the Camp Nou – to persuade the Brazilian prodigy to join them.
Barcelona are also hoping to get Athletico Paranaense to agree to an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy Roque in 2024 – due to financial issues, the Blaugrana cannot afford to spend heavily on him this summer.
That is where Chelsea are able to outdo the Spanish champions.
Mundo Deportivo believe the Blues are in a much stronger financial position to pay all of Athletico Paranaense’s €35m (£30m) asking price upfront, and are consequently ahead of Barcelona in the race for his signature.
Chelsea face one major problem with Vitor Roque
Finances aside, there is one huge issue involving the 18-year-old which Chelsea will need to overcome.
Mundo Deportivo believe it is Roque’s dream to play for Barcelona, so the Blues will have to convince him to ignore a move to Catalonia in preference of a switch to west London.
Having said that, there are conflicting reports involving the teenage sensation – who has been labelled the new Ronaldo in Brazil.
Brazilian news outlet UOL believe Roque would like to move to the Premier League this summer, so depending on which publication you trust more, a deal to bring the South American gem to Stamford Bridge could well be on.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the £30m asking price is easily affordable for Chelsea.
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