Arsenal are pushing to land Vitor Roque despite his desperate desire to sign for La Liga giants Barcelona instead.
Arsenal target Vitor Roque wants Barcelona move
That’s according to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, who claim that Vitor Roque is ‘determined’ to sign for Barcelona.
Barca have been chasing Vitor Roque for a while now and the Brazilian wonderkid seems convinced.
However, Vitor Roque’s family and representatives have other ideas.
They prefer to engineer a move to England and are thought to be in London this week for talks with Arsenal and Chelsea.
It’s stated that the best-positioned club in the race to sign Vitor Roque is now Arsenal.
Andre Cury, one of the agents involved in the deal, is aware that Barcelona are struggling to afford the striker.
Arsenal on the other hand are pushing for Vitor Roque’s signature with Edu keen to add another Brazilian ace.
Who is Vitor Roque?
Vitor Roque, 18, has emerged as one of the top young talents in Brazilian football.
The striker started out with America Mineiro and Cruzeiro before heading to Athletico Paranaenese in 2022.
The teenager has bagged 10 goals in 40 games for Athletico and seems destined for a big future.
Vitor Roque remarkably already has one Brazil cap to his name and has smashed eight goals in 11 Under-20 games for Brazil.
Goal reported in February that Athletico are now refusing to accept offers below Vitor Roque’s €60million (£52million) release clause.
That’s a huge price for an 18-year-old and Edu will hope that his connections to the Brazilian market can help bring the price down.
UOL Esporte also suggested in February that Arsenal were ramping up their move for Vitor Roque after approval from Mikel Arteta.
Barcelona’s financial issues could play right into Arsenal’s hands now, but the Gunner must convince Vitor Roque to shelve his Camp Nou dreams.
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