Barcelona sports chief Deco admits Vitor Roque could arrive in January.
Barca signed the young striker at the end of last season and loaned him back to Athletico Paranaense for the remainder of the Brasileiro season.
Deco said yesterday: "We always want to bring the players here as soon as possible.
"The agreement will be in place with Athletico Paranaense starting from January or next season.
"If he didn't arrive immediately, it's because there ' was an imposition from his club and we must accept the situation."