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Chelsea eye €50m striker who wants ‘DREAM’ return

Robin Bairner

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2025/26

Chelsea are ready to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad in the January transfer window with a big-money move for former Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.

The striker is back in Brazil playing with Palmeiras after a failed spell at Camp Nou, but has come good back in his homeland, scoring 20 goals in all competitions in the second half of 2025 to re-establish his reputation as one of his nation’s brightest young hopes.

Sky Sport Switzerland reports that the Blues and Manchester United are both tracking Vitor Roque, but that the Blues are “far more concrete” in their approach.

Vitor Roque targets return

Vitor Roque has already gone public on his willingness to move back to Europe and will surely be impressed by the work Chelsea have done with compatriot Willian Estevao to integrate him into Maresca’s squad.

Although not a regular, Estevao has emerged as a major squad player at Stamford Bridge and is widely regarded as a player destined for the very top. His development is not being rushed, but there is a clear path to the first team.

“It's a dream to return to Europe, to adapt. God willing, I'll continue doing my job at Palmeiras, because that's my goal today, and in the future I'll return to Europe,” he told AS in November.

Vitor Roque, Palmeiras

Is this a smart move for Chelsea?

A deal for Vitor Roque is unlikely to come cheap. A price around €50m has been previously discussed in relation to the forward.

One major question over the deal must come in exactly where he would fit into Chelsea’s pecking order. The Blues already have Joao Pedro and Liam Delap as their front line options, while Emmanuel Emegha has been signed from Strasbourg for the 2026/27 season.

The prospect of Maresca trying to work with four centre-forwards in the modern era seems unthinkable, particularly with the coach typically playing with just a single striker.

Returning to Europe may be Vitor Roque’s dream move, but it will be far harder to break into Chelsea’s squad than that of Man Utd, where Benjamin Sesko is the only natural No.9.