Joao Pedro’s form under Liam Rosenior has raised expectations that Chelsea have finally found the answer to their problems up top. Since the new manager’s appointment, the Brazilian striker has scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 12 games. In his latest outing, he scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa. He is the club’s most important player at the moment, and by some distance.
The Brazilian’s form does not mean that Chelsea have nothing to think about going forward. Even if Pedro maintains this form, they will need a solid backup plan at striker. Right now, Liam Delap is not filling that role. He has scored just thrice since joining the Blues in the summer in a £30 million move.
There have been rumours that Chelsea are already willing to part with Delap. That exit could take place next summer. On the other hand, the Blues are being linked with another Brazilian striker, who could be his potential replacement.
That player is none other than Vitor Roque. Formerly of Barcelona, he is now back in Brazil with Palmeiras. He has been doing a brilliant job as well, and it could earn him a move back to Europe. Chelsea are one of the clubs believed to be keeping an eye on the 21-year-old.
Chelsea reportedly readying bid for Vitor Roque
According to Bolavip Brasil, Chelsea are monitoring the situation of Roque and are preparing a multi-million dollar offer to Palmeiras for the next transfer window.
Several media outlets indicate that Chelsea have already made an initial offer close to 50 million euros. For now, Palmeiras consider this amount to be insufficient and are asking for more money. But the feeling is that the deal will eventually go through, as the player wants to return to Europe.
Could Chelsea end up signing Vitor Roque despite his Barcelona failure?
So, it looks like it could take a transfer fee north of €50 million to sign Roque. That is an important figure, especially for someone not even playing in Europe right now.
Even more importantly, we have already seen Roque in Europe. And it was far from convincing. He scored twice in 16 appearances for Barcelona. His stint at Real Betis was better, with 7 goals in 33 games. That being said, should Chelsea go out and spend north of €50 million on somebody with those figures when he did make the move to Europe and ultimately had to head back to Brazil?
On one hand, Roque fits the Chelsea transfer model perfectly. He is just 21 years of age and has potential for further growth. But on the other hand, there are doubts about whether he is capable of adjusting to the jump to Europe.
