Pochettino now loses £34m target to Barcelona despite Chelsea meeting the player’s family

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Mauricio Pochettino has now missed out on the signing of Vitor Roque as Barcelona beat Chelsea to the Brazilian’s signature.

That is according to AS in Spain.

So, what are the details involving Vitor Roque and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to Mundo Deportivo in Spain – Chelsea were ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign the South American wonderkid from Athletico Paranaense.

A separate story from Mundo Deportivo added that the Blues even met with Roque’s father to discuss a move to Stamford Bridge.

Unfortunately, it seems Chelsea’s efforts to sign the 18-year-old were all for nothing.

AS believe Barcelona have wrapped up a €40m (£34m) deal for the teenage sensation, with Deco – Director of Football at the Camp Nou – proving to be instrumental in negotiations given his knowledge of Brazilian football.

Barcelona will officially announce Roque’s arrival when they offload three more players – which they must do in order to register the striker.

Chelsea shouldn’t worry about missing out on Vitor Roque

In our view, Roque is not the type of signing Chelsea need right now.

Of course, the 18-year-old looks to be a real talent, and has the potential to become one of Europe’s top strikers one day.

However, Chelsea need results now. The Blues have just finished 12th in the Premier League, which is nowhere near where Pochettino wants to be.

Therefore, a proven centre-forward such as Victor Osimhen or Dusan Vlahovic is needed at Stamford Bridge, rather than another project player Chelsea will have to be patient with.

Interestingly – according to Gazzetta dello Sport – Chelsea held a meeting with Juventus about Vlahovic over the weekend, so perhaps there will soon be a genuine push to sign the Serbia international.

Be sure to keep an eye on the striker situation, as Pochettino wants a new No.9 in west London.