Lazio ready to shell out €20 million for 50% rights of Barcelona teenage forward

Vitor Roque appears destined to leave FC Barcelona this summer, just over seven months after first arriving at the club from Athletico Paranaense.

The 19-year-old was not given many opportunities to make an impression in the second half of the last season and considering the club’s financial woes, they are set to encounter issues registering him from scratch with La Liga this summer.

As such, Barça are ready to sanction Roque’s departure and even held talks with Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal over a possible switch.

But the 19-year-old Brazilian international has turned down the Middle Eastern outfit, forcing Barcelona to look elsewhere for solutions.

Lazio ready to bet on Roque

Amidst this, SPORT reports that Serie A side Lazio are ready to take a punt on Vitor Roque this summer. In fact, it is very likely that the Brazilian might accept a move to the Italian capital club from Barcelona.

Lazio’s interest in Roque surfaced earlier this summer, although, at that point, they were only considering a loan deal with a buy option – something that Barça were not on board with.

But, now, the Serie A giants are ready to make a bigger investment in the 19-year-old as they are willing to put up €20 million for 50% of his rights as they believe he can deliver big performances which could lead to a future sale beneficial for both them and Barcelona.

Roque could accept Lazio move

Vitor Roque’s entourage is closer to accepting a move to Lazio if Barça finally opens the door for him this summer, as they believe that it would be a good team for the youngster to show his potential in European football.

The fact that Barça could keep part of the rights would also make a return possible in the event that he explodes in Italian football. The player’s salary would not be a problem for Lazio as well.

Roque continues to attract interest from FC Porto, but their financial situation makes the move difficult. There are suitors in Spain as well, with Real Betis, in particular, keen on signing him on loan by covering his full wages.

But, as things stand, Lazio could be Roque’s next destination, although Barcelona will not sanction his departure until their negotiations to sign Nico Williams and Dani Olmo bear fruit.