Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Vitor Roque in action as they are ready to battle Barcelona for the Athletico Paranaense youngster.
According to Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, Arsenal sent scouts to watch Vitor Roque. The Gunners are on the case of the 17-year-old, who is also on the list of Barcelona. The €60 million-rated forward could move out of Brazil in the summer as a transfer battle heats up in the background.
Vitor Roque is stirring some big pots in Europe with his performances for Athletico Paranaense as a transfer-battle brews in the background. A host of top clubs are keen on the €60 million-rated forward ahead of the next window, as he turns 18 by the end of February.
Brazilian rules prevent players under 18 from leaving the country for a club abroad. European clubs have been on the case of many youngsters from the country. Recently, Real Madrid tied up a €60 million deal for Palmeiras youngster Endrick, who will only move to Spain after he turns 18.
Barcelona have also looked at several young stars from Brazil and recently got awe-struck by Roque. The youngster is a big talent for the future, as the Catalans have already seen a bid rejected by Athletico Paranaense worth a reported €25 million, but they are seen as front-runners.
Athl. Paranaense president Petraglia: "There's a race to sign Vitor Roque. European top clubs want him and we received approached and bids, but it's still not what we want to sell Vitor". 🇧🇷 #transfers
Barcelona have Vitor Roque in their list – but English clubs are also keen. pic.twitter.com/Xg6R5LPf0m
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 14, 2023
Paranaense have a €100 million release clause in Roque’s contract, although they would do a deal for far less. A bid of €60 million could suffice, although clubs could look to pay a lot less. Some reports suggested the Brazilian side could even accept offers over €40 million.
While Barcelona remains financially stricken, they may not be able to pay beyond a certain price point. This is where rivals, particularly Arsenal, could swoop for the 17-year-old star. The Gunners had already contacted the people close to Roque and Paranaense.
Now, Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal sent scouts to watch the €60 million-rated Barcelona target in action. The forward is a regular for Paranaense, and watchers could get a good view of his skillset in their system.
Romano said, “Arsenal have sent their scouts to follow Vitor Roque, but it’s the same for five top European clubs. Barcelona want him. He’s on their list and really appreciated but Athletico Paranaense hope for €60m package to sell Roque. So, it’s not easy.”
The Gunners have good contacts in Brazil, thanks to their technical director Edu Gaspar. The Arsenal executive has already registered an interest in the 17-year-old forward. While Barcelona are the front-runners, a huge transfer battle for Roque could emerge in the coming months, as the player is keen to move out.
