Manchester United have been contacted over a confusing move to Barcelona, with the 23-year-old revealing he wants to play for Arsenal, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk included Chelsea’s target as they push for a big move to La Liga.
Surprise MAN UTD goal revealed
According to reports, Manchester United are in preliminary talks over the shock signing of Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.
After scoring 21 goals in 45 games for Athletico Paranaense last season, Roque could have his pick of Europe’s top clubs.
In fact, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with signing him.
Between Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, it was the latter that worked hardest to bring Roque to England. But Chelsea missed out on a very exciting teenager as Barcelona signed a big-money deal to sign him.
The Catalan giants first paid Athletico Paranaense €30 million for Roque last summer, but the deal could ultimately be worth €61 million with add-on options.
The 19-year-old striker, who can operate as a central striker or left wing, officially arrived at Barca on January 1.
Don’t miss – As Ratcliffe sparks a bold new transfer strategy, all the standout teenage Man Utd have left behind is Neves, Anselmino…
However, he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter under Xavi and has only scored two goals in 13 games so far.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barca want to loan the youngster out in the summer so he can gain more first-team experience next season. This will allow Roque to return to the Nou Camp next season as a more mature and versatile striker.
Will Vitor Roque move to Old Trafford?
Surprisingly, reports claim that Manchester United are one of six notable clubs who have ‘contacted’ Roque’s agent over a possible loan.
Barca’s La Liga rivals Real Betis and Sevilla are in the frame, while Napoli, Nice and Lyon are also interested.
Roque plans to remain at Barca this summer so he can move up the ranks, so United will have to make some effort to persuade the Brazil international to make the switch to Old Trafford.
Roque is one of the most exciting U21 strikers in the world, so it will be fascinating to see how he performs for Man Utd.
However, it would be very surprising if Manchester United made such a proactive move.
The Red Devils are said to be looking for a quality No.9 who can help Rasmus Hojlund, but it would make much more sense to bring in a player like Ivan Toney or Benjamin Sesko.
These strikers have more experience at the top level than Roque, who is still establishing himself in Europe.
Roque is not the only Barca player tipped to be in line for a move by Man Utd. That’s because they are also thought to be keeping an eye on midfielder Frenkie de Jong and defender Ronald Araujo.
Full-back hoping to move to Arsenal
Danish-Peruvian right-back Oliver Sonne, one of Silkeborg’s most valuable stars, has revealed his ‘dream’ is to play for Arsenal or a major Italian club. (tip blade)
Former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is a ‘strong candidate’ to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea manager. (build)
Juventus are desperately trying to raise enough funds to prevent Joshua Zirkzy from joining Arsenal. The Gunners have already signed a contract for the Bologna striker. (Calciomercato)
West Ham United are facing a crisis as David Moyes and Tim Steidton have been dropped and top stars Lucas Paqueta, Mohamed Quddus and Edson Alvarez could leave. (various)
Both Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in Werder Bremen winger Justin Nzinma. (kicker)
Chelsea face attacker disappointment
Chelsea may be targeting Dutch star Xavi Simons but the attacking midfielder is planning a return to Barca. (sports)
Tottenham Hotspur have received a loan-purchase offer from Sevilla for winger Brian Gill. (various)
Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva is ‘crazy’ to join Barça, while Pep Guardiola’s side have signed Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen. (Sports, TBR Soccer)
Manchester United is accelerating the signing of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, whose contract expires on June 30. (Tuttosport)
Ralf Rangnick has ignored Bayern Munich’s advancement as he does not want to jeopardize the Austrian team’s performance in the upcoming European Championships. (kicker)
Tottenham are preparing for a Serie A bidding war
Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus could enter a summer bidding war to sign Bologna defender Ricardo Calafiori. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Chelsea are expected to make a £47m bid for Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian. Willian is also receiving interest from Barça. (various)
Manchester United’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to sign Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo instead of Raphael Varane. (Rudy Galetti)
Real Madrid are now the club best suited to sign Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. (markka)
