Barcelona set to wrap up first transfer of the summer

Tom Weber

• 15 Jun 2023 15:08 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are on the verge of completing their first signing of the summer, according to Spanish media.

Contrary to expectations, the deal in question is not the free transfer of Inigo Martinez from Athletic Club, but the signing of Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense.

Fabrizio Romano shot down the rumours of a transfer being completed that appeared earlier in the week, but Spanish media is now again reporting that the 18-year-old's Camp Nou move is all but under wraps. Arsenal were at one point also heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian prodigy, but they have not followed up on their interest.

READ: The Brazilian wonderkid wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona

Despite his tender years, Roque already has three seasons of senior football under his belt. Since making the switch from Cruzeiro to Athletico Paranaense in 2022, the striker has made 61 appearances for the latter, scoring 17 goals and notching eight assists.

Financial Fair Play regulations

The problem Barcelona have faced regarding their transfer business is the fact that the club are not complying with LaLiga's Financial Fair Play regulations.

This meant that the Blaugrana missed out on re-signing Lionel Messi and they will still have to tread carefully despite reportedly getting approval from the league for their financial viability plan.

READ: Toni Kroos with BRUTAL attack on Eden Hazard

The Roque deal is said to involve a primary fee of €35 million, with a potential €10 million in bonuses. According to the reports stating the move is done, Roque will line up for Barcelona next season if FFP allows it.

If they are unable to register the player, they allegedly have a plan in place that would see him stay at Paranaense for another year. If a deal has indeed been completed, Barcelona will likely have to sell more players in order to be able to incorporate the Brazilian wonderkid into their squad.