Barcelona have taken the lead ahead of Arsenal in the race for 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque.
According to SPORT, Barcelona are ahead of Arsenal in the race for Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque. The 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid is an emerging talent from South America, with the Catalan giants initiating contact to find a solution with his club.
Many notable people are involved in a transfer for 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque. Former Portuguese international Deco and World Cup-winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari are present. The latter is also the new football coordinator for Athletico Paranaense.
They are all looking to get involved in a deal for Roque, with Deco, the external advisor for Barcelona, in the thick of things. The Catalans have a brilliant relationship with the former midfielder, as he looks to as a bridge between the club and Roque’s agents.
They have already initiated contact with the player’s camp and made headway. Brazilian rules restrict players from leaving the country before they turn 18, and Roque will reach the landmark later this month. Hence, there is an opportunity for the Catalans to take the player to Spain.
Moreover, since the interest was revealed, Roque has remained keen on moving to Barcelona. The Blaugrana view the 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid as the ‘next Luis Suarez’ for his intricate style in the final third. They face tough competition from Arsenal, with the English giants threatening a move to Catalunya.
Through their technical director, Edu Gaspar, the Gunners have made first contacts with Roque’s agents. Mikel Arteta has reviewed the player’s profile and remains keen to add him to the squad. The soon-to-be 18-year-old seems highly rated within the corridors of Arsenal.
Athletico Paranaense are protected by a reported €60 million release clause in Roque’s contract. Ideally, they would like any interested club to pay the full amount. But internally, they might have realised that might not be possible.
The price point is where Arsenal can trump Barcelona for the 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid. The Catalan giants are not in a healthy financial state and will negotiate the price down when they speak directly with Athletico Paranaense.
On the other hand, Arsenal may have known about the player’s preference to join Barcelona. However, they could look to beat the Catalans by offering more money to Athletico Paranaense for Roque.
For now, Barcelona remain in the driving seat for the forward. Much can change as we approach the summer transfer window. And the Gunners could cement their interest and make a solid offer that may trump the Catalans for Roque.
