FC Barcelona have begun the process to try and guarantee Vitor Roque's arrival this summer and not wait until January 2024 for the player to join Xavi Hernandez's squad according to Mundo Deportivo.

Barca signed Vitor Roque earlier this summer when agreeing to pay his club Athletico Paranaense €31 million ($34 million) up front plus a further €30 in variables related to club and individual titles won in Catalonia.

As mentioned, it was decided between the two outfits that Roque would cross the Atlantic when the South American season finishes at the end of the year, and when the European transfer window opens again in January.

With Barca struggling to navigate Financial Fair Play limits, however, and on the cusp of losing Ousmane Demebele in a €50 million ($55 million) transfer, Xavi has been left short staffed on the wings.

Vitor Roque can play on either flank, and also as a striker, so importing him already makes sense now and prevents Barca from having to head out on the market with little to spend.

At the moment, they are struggling to convince Manchester City to sell Bernardo Silva for the low €65 million ($71.3 million) they can afford, and would struggle to pay Neymar's salary even if he arrives on loan.

One of the reasons why Athletico-PR were reluctant to let Vitor Roque go rightaway is because they harboured hopes of going one better than reaching the final in 2022 - which they lost to Flamengo - and lifting the Copa Libertadores.

On Tuesday night, Vitor Roque's goal helped force extra time and penalties against Bolivar after Athletico overturned a 3-1 deficit from the round of 16 first leg.

Ultimately, however, the Curitiba side lost on penalties.

The development has encouraged Barca to try and feel out how willing Athletico would be to part with Roque with the La Liga season starting this weekend.

To this extent, the teenager's agent Andre Cury has been sent from Barcelona to Brazil to act as an intermediary.

Atlhetico-PR, who are currently seventh in the Brasileirao might still be reluctant to see Roque leave them ahead of schedule because they want to guarantee qualification to the Libertadores for next term.

If Barca perhaps promise to stump up more cash, however, perhaps they can be persuaded.

According to Mas Que Pelotas, Barca will sell 49% of Barca Studios to a Mexican Investment Firm for €180 million ($197 million) with at least €30 million, possibly more, due to be paid this week.