Premier League clubs have been placed on red-alert over the possible availability of Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.
The 19-year-old Brazilian joined the Catalan giants from Brazilian outfit Athletico Paranaense in January after an agreement worth £52.5million including add-ons was struck between the clubs last July.
But Roque, who now has an eye-watering £430million release clause written into his Barca contract, has struggled for minutes in La Liga since making the switch from South America as veteran frontman Robert Lewandowski remains Xavi's go-to guy in attack.
Earlier this week, the teenage striker's agent Andre Cury hit out at Xavi's handling of the player and claimed his client will not be leaving on loan next season as he plots talks with Barcelona to resolve the situation.
Cury even suggested Xavi does not speak to the player adding a permanent transfer will be considered, if necessary.
Roque was previously tracked by Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United prior to his Barcelona move and with all four of those clubs monitoring the transfer market for a new striker, there is every chance they could reignite their interest this summer. Spurs were even prepared to offer a package worth a reported £34.5m for Roque before Barca beat them to the punch.
The Brazil international has scored two goals in 13 appearances for Barca this season but he is rated highly within the game and is among the best centre-forward prospects in world football.
Barca are unlikely to entertain an early sale despite their financial struggles as they invested big money on the youngster and Lewandowski won't be around forever, though the Poland captain will be staying put for at least another season.
Tottenham consider the signing of a new No.9 a priority amid doubts over Richarlison's long-term future with the former Everton star attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.
Spurs have been linked with a series of strikers including Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez after the Mexican recently watched Ange Postecoglou's side fall to a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby, accompanied by his agent.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have also been looking at an array of forwards including Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson, who all fit the bill for Mauricio Pochettino. Manchester United would ideally like to sign a more experienced profile to complement Rasmus Hojlund's development while Arsenal are yet to commit to signing a marquee striker.
Initially, all signs pointed towards the Gunners doing just that but Kai Havertz's dramatic upturn in form has changed the picture, particularly as PSR rules no longer allow clubs to spend cash at will.
Arsenal could yet sign a new centre-forward but Roque would undoubtedly represent an investment for the future and the Gunners need ready-made upgrades to take Mikel Arteta's attack to the next level.
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