Friday’s edition of Catalan newspaper Sport has Vitor Roque on the front page, with Barcelona looking to get the Brazilian wonderkid over as soon as possible.
Having secured his signing from Athletico Paranaense in July of this year, Barca have been deciding whether to take the 18-year-old in the next window or wait until next summer.
That decision now largely looks made. With Vitor Roque being called up to the latest Brazil squad, Xavi Hernandez wants him in the Blaugrana squad as soon as possible.
He’s not the only young attacking star who Barcelona have their eyes on, with page three of the same newspaper having an article on Nico Williams. That’s when Aston Villa are brought into the picture, with it being known Unai Emery’s side are very interested in the Athletic Club Bilbao player.
Williams’ contracts expires at the end of June, 2024, and therefore he’d be available on a free transfer if no renewal is signed. According to Sport, Aston Villa are willing to pay a reasonable transfer fee ‘this January’ to secure the player.
However, he doesn’t want to leave Athletic like that, so the tendency is for a renewal with a ‘reasonable’ release clause. It’d be a big task for Emery and co to change his stance.
Sport believe that gives Barcelona a chance in the future, although previous reports have stated they were primarily interested in a free transfer and therefore any renewal would favour Aston Villa.
