Arsenal have got themselves in a fantastic position to sign 18-year-old Brazilian talent Vitor Roque ahead of rivals like Chelsea and Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are well-placed to sign Vitor Roque ahead of their rivals. With support from sporting director Edu Gaspar, the Gunners will push to bring the 18-year-old to the Emirates, ready to get ahead of Chelsea and Barcelona for the forward.
Vitor Roque remains linked to some of the biggest clubs in Europe and England. Speculation has been rife regarding a move away from Brazil. The 18-year-old can leave the country for a bigger adventure, with some clubs closely monitoring his situation.
Barcelona have always led the chase for the 18-year-old and have remained in contact with Atletico Paranense for the forward. There are complications over the move, as the Catalans do not have the financial means to complete a deal.
Reports suggested Barcelona were reportedly told to pay €50 million to secure 85% of the player’s rights from Athletico Paranaense. Those numbers will make it difficult for the Spanish giants to consider signing Roque in the summer. While the player wants to play at Camp Nou, he may have to sign for someone else.
More stories claim Barcelona have scheduled a new meeting of discussions for Roque. The player is steadily slipping out of their hands. Other high-profile clubs are chasing the 18-year-old, with Arsenal reportedly ahead of the pack.
Chelsea and Arsenal were reportedly linked with a move, with the player’s father, Juvenal Ferreira, spotted in London. These are indications the player could move to one of the capital clubs in the summer, with the Gunners seemingly having the upper hand.
Sporting director Edu Gaspar has plenty of contacts in Brazilian football and has a big reputation in that market. The perspective plan of teaming Roque up with some of his high-profile compatriots at Arsenal may have played its part.
Arsenal are now well-placed to sign Roque ahead of their rivals. Mikel Arteta probably wants a new, young forward to join the ranks, similar to Marquinhos from last summer. The team also lacks a left-footed centre-forward. And the manager may want a profile of that sort.
Roque is not guaranteed a place in the first team; like everyone else, he will have to fight it out. He will look at the best option for his growth and then decide on his next steps. Arsenal will have to pay a hefty fee for the 18-year-old Chelsea and Barcelona target, considering he remains on a long-term contract with Athletico Paranaense.
