Vitor Roque, valued at around €40 million, is reportedly willing to wait for Barcelona to be ready to sign him instead of joining Arsenal.
According to a report by Cadena SER, Vitor Roque is steadfast in his desire to join Barcelona. The Brazilian wonderkid is ready to wait for the Catalan giants to have their finances in order. And he will move to Spotify Camp Nou when he leaves Athletico Paranaense instead of signing for Arsenal or some other suitor.
Vitor Roque is one of the brightest young prospects in his homeland. A graduate of the Cruzeiro youth division, he also represented America Mineiro during his youth career. But the 18-year-old has risen to prominence after joining Athletico Paranaense twelve months ago.
The Brazilian wonderkid has also taken age-group international football by storm, winning the Under-20 South American Championships with Brazil. He also made his debut for the Selecao in March. Meanwhile, the teenage sensation has six goals and two assists in 14 appearances this term. And his progress has captured the attention of Barcelona and Arsenal.
Barcelona will look to sign a successor to Robert Lewandowski imminently despite signing the Pole last summer. But with the former Bayern Munich talisman well into his thirties, it behoves Barcelona to lay down a succession plan for him. Vitor Roque has thus emerged as a viable target for the Blaugrana.
The Brazilian wonderkid will cost around €40 million in the summer transfer window. But Barcelona’s delicate financial situation might force them to postpone the move for the 18-year-old. Such a scenario will give Arsenal the impetus to launch the offensive for the teenage sensation.
Arsenal signed Gabriel Jesus last summer, with Eddie Nketiah being his deputy. But Mikel Arteta wants to sign a striker who can add another dimension to Arsenal’s gameplay. Vitor Roque has thus emerged as a viable target for the North London club. And the Gunners are pushing to beat the other suitors to his signature. But the youngster is willing to wait for Barcelona instead of joining any other club.
The Catalan giants have convinced the 18-year-old to wait for them until they can afford to sign him. But it is unclear if they will be able to get Financial Fair Play compliance and pay around €40 million to secure his services.
