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There was an interview with Adrie VdP 2 weeks ago on Belgian TV where he said AF is aiming to beat Arkea on the pro conti team ranking. Ending 1st there gives you starting right everywhere as opposed to starting obligations like the WT teams.
Upgrading to WT now might be stretching themselves too much as theyd need a bigger roster and could prove too costly (travelling to Tour of China etc).
They might be interested in taking over a WT licence at some point but merging teams would mean taking over part of the other team's structure and personnel, hence them not negotiating with CCC. They want to do their own thing.
gms
AF has talked about wanting the CCC the World Tour license next season, although Circus-Wanty Gobert grabbed it. They're currently 14th in the UCI ranking, and the Roodhooft bros are keen on getting into the Grand Tours, especially the TdF; they would even think of sacrificing some of their main star's other ambitions.
The chance of getting a wildcard is pretty big if you're the best Pro Conti team around. Also the benefit of continued Pro Conti status is: you are not required to show up at every World tour race, so you can pick and choose.