Vitor Roque has reportedly turned down a move to Arsenal as he waits to join Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Vitor Roque does not wish to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The 18-year-old has snubbed the Premier League club. And he wants to join Barcelona when he leaves Athletico Paranaense to embark on an adventure in Europe.
Vitor Roque has become one of the most highly sought-after prospects in South America in the last twelve months. The Brazilian wonderkid has gone from strength to strength since joining Athletico Paranaense from Cruzeiro. And his stock has skyrocketed since Brazil’s triumphant campaign at the Under-20 South American Championships.
The 18-year-old was one of the top scorers at the competition as Brazil went all the way in Colombia. Meanwhile, the youngster has started the club campaign strongly, scoring once in two outings thus far. And Vitor Roque’s progress has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Arsenal.
Barcelona will be eager to be ready for life after Robert Lewandowski, despite signing him last summer. That is because the veteran striker is approaching the final phase of his glittering career. So it behoves Barcelona to scour the market for a long-term successor, with Vitor Roque emerging as a target.
Widespread reports have suggested that the Catalan giants have already made some moves to sign the 18-year-old. And the Brazilian prodigy is reportedly prioritising joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window. That comes as a blow for other suitors, including Arsenal.
The interest from Arsenal is intriguing, considering they signed Gabriel Jesus last summer. But the Gunners are keen on bolstering their young core, bringing Vitor Roque into the picture. However, Arsenal will unlikely be in a position to sign the 18-year-old, who has snubbed them.
The Brazilian wonderkid is waiting for Barcelona to launch the offensive for him as he wants to move to Spotify Camp Nou. And with the Blaugrana advancing discussions to sign the youngster, a summer move might be on the cards. It will be interesting to see if the player realises his Barcelona dream in the coming months.
