Chelsea enter the race for prodigious 17-year-old South American attacker

Chelsea are in the race for young Brazilian striker Vitor Roque

According to Spanish outlet AS, via Sports Witness (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are in the race with several top European clubs to sign young Brazilian striker Vitor Roque.

Manchester United and Paris-Saint Germain were said to be linked with the player last month, but he prefers a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

But, Roque has a release clause of £52.8m in his contract with Athletico PR. That amount has put off United and PSG, while the financial difficulties at Barcelona may not warrant them to spend over £50m on a 17-year-old striker.

The former Cruzeiro striker has scored six goals in four appearances in the U-20 South American Championship thus far. Since joining Athletico PR in 2021, he has scored seven goals and assisted three in 36 appearances in all competitions.

In terms of where he can play, Roque is a centre-forward by trade who can operate on either wing. He has a deadly left foot used to finish off chances in and around the opposition box.

The 17-year-old possesses express pace to terrorise defenders, is very good at dribbling in tight spaces and in one-on-one situations, has a good shot in him and has good physical stature for such a young player.

At the start of the January window, Chelsea signed young striker David Datro Fofana from Molde. With the issue of a number nine in place, is it sensible to fork out such a high amount for another young striker instead of looking for a proven player in that department?

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The Blues have not hesitated in spraying the cash around to buy the top young talents. In terms of the latter, Roque is very good. But, if given a choice, they should be looking at signing a more experienced striker who could come in and make the difference straight away.