Arsenal could inadvertently send Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back to Barcelona by winning the race for wonderkid Vitor Roque.
Arsenal want Vitor Roque
Rumours linking Arsenal with a move to sign Athletico Paranaense attacker Vitor Roque.
Reports from UOL Esporte in February suggested that Arsenal had made first contact to sign the Brazilian.
They also claimed that Mikel Arteta had personally approved making a move for Vitor Roque.
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo even suggest that Vitor Roque’s father is in London now to hold meetings with Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Gunners may well press ahead with a move for the 18-year-old with Edu no doubt a big fan.
Arsenal already have top Brazilian players like Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, so adding a prospect like Vitor Roque could make perfect sense.
Roque, 18, has bagged 10 goals in 40 games for Athletico and is being backed for a huge future.
Arsenal could force Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deal
The surprise aspect here is that a deal for Vitor Roque to join Arsenal could impact Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona also want Vitor Roque and view him as a ‘future top player’.
Yet if Barcelona miss out on the teenager – which is a real possibility with Arsenal pushing – then they will turn to Aubameyang.
Romano claims Aubameyang is ‘appreciated’ at Barcelona and ultimately viewed as a backup target to Vitor Roque.
Aubameyang left Arsenal for Barcelona in January 2022, only to join Chelsea a few months later.
The Gabonese striker isn’t wanted at Chelsea anymore and a return to Barcelona could be on the cards.
Arsenal would certainly feel like the big winners if they can secure Vitor Roque and then see Aubameyang get flogged again after a somewhat acrimonious exit last season.
Nothing is done yet but if Vitor Roque’s father really is in London, Arsenal will be looking to force home their case and get a deal in place for the Brazilian sensation.
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