Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has, on Thursday, provided an update on the club’s ongoing pursuit of Athletico Paranaense star Vitor Roque.
For those not aware, attacker Roque is widely considered to be one of the finest up-and-coming talents in his home country of Brazil.
This comes with the frontman, since being snapped up by the aforementioned Athletico last summer, having gone on to enjoy a fruitful first year at the Arena da Baixada.
Despite having only turned 18 back in February, Roque has already established himself as a first-team regular, boasting a fine record of 14 direct goal contributions in 24 appearances thus far this term.
Such impressive form has translated to the international stage, too, with the former Cruzeiro talent having already been afforded his full Brazil bow, after finding the net eight times in eleven outings at U20 level.
VITOR ROQUE, DE APENAS 17 ANOS, MARCA O GOL DA CLASSIFICAÇÃO DO FURACÃO AOS 51 DO SEGUNDO TEMPO! QUE MOLEQUE F*DA!!!#Libertadores pic.twitter.com/61botLIYmN
— Goleada Info (@goleada_info) August 12, 2022
In turn, recent reports, confirming mounting interest in Roque’s services from clubs across Europe, have come as little surprise.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of Roque’s potential arrival was put to Xavi Hernandez.
And Barca’s boss was not shy in confirming that the Blaugrana are hopeful of bringing the Brazilian in, ‘in control’ of the situation despite ongoing financial uncertainty at the Camp Nou:
Xavi: “Vitor Roque deal? We’re in control as we’re well informed on the situation for Victor, we are keeping control”. 🔵🔴🇧🇷 #FCB
“Our financial situation will be crucial to understand what’s gonna happen with Vitor deal”, told @JijantesFC. pic.twitter.com/e5djtEMyyf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2023
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