Arsenal enter race to sign Vitor Roque
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Arsenal have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the best upcoming talents in Brazilian football and he is already on the radar of several elite European clubs.
Barcelona are currently leading the hunt to sign the teenage sensation, but Sport claim that they face strong competition from the Premier League.
The Gunners are one of the English teams in the running to land the highly-rated youngster, who has been dubbed as the ‘Brazilian Luis Suarez‘.
Sporting director Edu Gaspar has already contacted his representative and it is claimed that they are ‘most committed’ to signing the versatile ace.
Arsenal planning ambitious swoop for Roque
Roque has been sensational for the Brazil Under-20 side at the 2023 South American Championship, registering six goals and one assist from nine games.
The youngster has also impressed at the club level with 13 goals and four assists from 52 outings. He looks set to have a bright future ahead with his immense potential.
Roque can play on either the right wing or as the main striker and would perfectly fit the Gunners’ profile. He could be considered as a long-term prospect for both roles.
Hence, we are not surprised that the Gunners are making an effort to sign him but it remains to be seen whether they can negotiate a suitable price for the youngster.
He currently has a €60 million release clause in his contract and it is unlikely that the Gunners would be willing to meet the entire fee up front. There must be add-ons included.
Barcelona will obviously be their main rivals for the Brazilian. After Real Madrid’s decision to land Endrick, they seem determined to make amends with Roque’s signature.
In our view, Edu could have a key role to play in persuading the youngster to move to Arsenal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com