In a huge development, Javi Miguel of AS is reporting that Barcelona have secured an agreement to sign Athletico Paranaense and Brazil wonderkid Vitor Roque in the summer transfer window.

The 18-year-old centre-forward had been one of the Catalan giants’ priority targets heading into the summer. And despite having encountered difficulties, they are now understood to have closed his signing, with the transfer considered a ‘done deal’.

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As per the report, Barça will pay Athletico Paranaense a transfer fee of €40 million, in three instalments. Furthermore, the La Liga champions have also secured a five-year contract agreement with Roque.

The transfer will be made official only when there are some exits and there is some salary margin created. However, apart from an official announcement, everything else in the deal is understood to be in place as things stand.

The report goes on to claim that Deco, who is set to become Barcelona’s sporting director imminently, played a key role in pushing the deal through.

The former midfielder’s intimate knowledge of the Brazilian market as well as his close ties with Roque’s agent, Andre Cury, were decisive in tying down the 18-year-old’s signing.

Roque will arrive at Barcelona to provide cover and competition for Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 role. His versatility means that the young Brazilian international could also play out on the wings if needed.

With his imminent capture, Xavi and Barcelona have closed the signing of one of the three priorities for the summer. The focus will now shift towards signing a new pivot midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets and an interior midfielder, possibly Ilkay Gundogan.

What Roque’s potential signing also does is it closes the door on a possible return to Barcelona for Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

A potent goalscorer with a solid all-round game, Roque has been likened to Barcelona legend Luis Suarez. The Catalans may have sealed his signing, but will hold off on an official announcement until there are a few exits that would free up space on the wage bill.