Arsenal want to sign Vitor Roque and Mikel Arteta is understood to have approved a push to sign the Brazilian wonderkid.
That’s according to a report from UOL Esporte, who claim that Arsenal are starting to ramp up their move for Roque.
It’s stated that Arsenal have made ‘first exploratory contacts’ to try and sign Roque.
The report claims that Arteta has given his endorsement to a deal and Edu is now seemingly making his move.
West Ham allegedly offered €14million (£12.5million) for Roque in January but Athletico Paranaense rejected it straight away.
Goal reported just a few days ago that the Brazilian club are refusing to accept offers below Roque’s €60million (£52million) release clause.
West Ham’s offer was absolutely nowhere near but Arsenal are now pushing to win the race with Arteta’s backing.
Vitor Roque to Arsenal rumours are gathering pace
According to Goal, Arsenal started talks to sign Roque in an attempt to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United to his signature.
Spanish newspaper AS then suggested that Arsenal and Barcelona are both willing to do whatever it takes to sign Roque.
This latest report surrounding Arteta’s approval just adds more weight to the rumours and it looks like Arsenal really are pushing for Roque.
The 17-year-old attacker has just featured for Brazil at the Sudamericano Sub-20, helping them win the final.
Roque scored six goals in the tournament with no other player scoring more.
The teenager has already scored seven times in 36 games for Athletico Paranaense whilst also racking up three assists.
Roque appears to be Brazil’s next great talent and Edu – a former Brazil international himself – would no doubt love to bring him to Arsenal in the coming months.
Battling Chelsea and Barcelona won’t be easy but Arsenal are making their move well in advance of the summer window given that Roque turns 18 later this month.
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