Arsenal could take advantage of Chelsea’s financial situation and hijack a move for Vitor Roque and bring the South American to the Emirates.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are keen to wrap up a move for Vitor Roque ahead of arch-rivals Chelsea. The financial situation brewing at Stamford Bridge could allow the Gunners to hijack a move for the highly-rated South American forward in the summer.
Vitor Roque’s name has been echoing in the English and Brazilian media for quite a while now, as he remains linked with a move to the Premier League. The highly-rated South American forward has featured on the radars of some of the biggest clubs, including those outside England.
Barcelona were the early pace setters in chasing the forward. Athletico Paranaense’s demand for £35-40 million has proved problematic for the Catalans, who will have bowed out of the race for Roque. The player himself may prefer a move to the Catalans but will have to settle for one of the English sides.
That said, Chelsea were reportedly considered the favourites for the player in the early days. However, the financial situation brewing at Stamford Bridge might stand in the way of signing Roque in the summer window. The Blues suffered a blow after Athletico Paranaense revealed their asking price.
Chelsea are looking at ways to manoeuvre out of the Financial Fair Play situation and could sell a few of their key assets. Meanwhile, they will prioritise the spending budget on essential targets and put those young prospects on the back burner for now.
As Chelsea steadily bows out of the running, it’s an advantage for Arsenal in the chase for Roque. The Gunners remain well-positioned to sign the South American forward. They could take advantage of their rivals’ financial situation and hijack a possible move for the Brazilian.
Mikel Arteta remains open to adding young, prodigious talents to his squad. Arsenal have succeeded in the Brazilian market with signings like Gabriel Martinelli. The former has become a key part of the side challenging for the Premier League title.
Moreover, Arsenal have a healthy Brazilian or Portuguese-speaking contingent that could help Roque settle in. They like the player’s profile and his ability in the final third.
Arsenal will probably wait for current suitors like Barcelona and Chelsea to completely bow out of the running before making an offer. They will hope for a reduction in the price tag, which may seem possible if they are the only team in the race.
Roque and his father had been in London a few weeks ago, which indicated an imminent move to one of Arsenal or Chelsea. For now, nothing’s agreed with Athletico Paranaense for Roque, but he will likely move clubs when the summer window opens.
