Athletico Paranaense CEO Alexandre Mattos has ruled out the possibility of Vitor Roque moving to Barcelona this summer.
The Catalan giants announced the signing of Roque last month in an expensive deal worth €61 million that will see him move to Camp Nou next year.
However, Barca reportedly intend to bring in the Brazilian wonderkid this summer in a bid to enhance their attacking depth for the upcoming season.
The imminent departure of Ousmane Dembele and the exit speculation surrounding Ansu Fati have prompted Barca to seek Roque’s services.
But Mattos has put a dent in Barca’s hopes, insisting that Tigrinho will not leave Athletico any earlier than January 2024, and the club heavily counts on him despite their recent elimination from Copa Libertadores.
“There’s no chance for Vitor Roque to leave and join Barça in August,” said Athletico’s CEO (h/t Fabrizio Romano)
“He will leave in January, that was the pact with Barca and it will be respected. We need him for the final 20 games and to qualify for Copa Libertadores 2024.”
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva was earmarked as a potential replacement for Dembele, but he is now getting closer towards signing a renewal with the Premier League champions.
Barca are prioritising a move for a new right-back before the transfer window closes next month, with Ivan Fresneda, Joao Cancelo and Arnau Martinez lined up as potential targets.
Xavi can rely on Ez Abde, Fati, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez if Barca fail to sign a new attacker in the transfer window.
They all made a great impression during pre-season.
