Sources: Chelsea bid to sign Vitor Roque derailed amid £40m reveal
Chelsea have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues are huge admirers of the 18-year-old striker and submitted a bid for him in the January transfer window.
The London giants planned to reignite their interest with a fresh approach in the summer, but the club’s financial issues have made the deal extremely difficult.
Chelsea spent over £600million under Todd Boehly in the summer and January windows, and the club need to raise funds through sales if they plan to stay within Financial Fair Play restraints.
The club’s financial situation may rule them out of a move for Roque, with Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense valuing the young forward between £35-40million.
Chelsea haven’t entirely given up hopes of signing Roque, but a number of summer sales would have to be completed before they tabled a suitable bid.
It is understood that Chelsea have good contacts in South America following the club’s deals for Andrey Santos and Kendry Paez.
Santos joined the Blues last summer and immediately returned to Vasco da Gama on loan, while there are reports that Chelsea have a verbal agreement in place for a £17m move for 15-year-old star Paez.
Chelsea hope that their good relations in Brazil stand them in good stead to still sign Roque this summer.
Roque has scored five goals in 10 appearances in 2022/23, and his impressive form earned him his first call-up to the international team.
He made his senior Brazil debut in a friendly match against Morocco in March.
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