Arsenal initiate contact to sign starlet – Mikel Arteta has given approval to transfer

Arsenal’s interest in Athletico Paranaense star Vitor Roque is being backed up in Brazil.

This time, it’s UOL who report that the Gunners are the ‘newest’ club in the race for the young forward.

It’s claimed that Arsenal ‘started the first exploratory contacts’ to discuss the transfer, as it already has the green light from manager Mikel Arteta.

UOL says the Gunners have been following Vitor Roque ‘with a lot of attention’, especially during the U-20 South American Championship this month, where he scored six goals in Brazil’s title-winning campaign.

The story claims that Athletico are well prepared for the European interest in the player, and have already told the market they want at least €40m to sell him. It’s recalled that West Ham wanted to pay €14m for his signing, and the Brazilian club didn’t even open talks at that stage.

Arsenal’s interest in Vitor Roque had already been reported by the Brazilian media this month, with Goal claiming Edu Gaspar was leading the pursuit for the player, having recently made an approach.

The Gunners are certainly trying to anticipate the competition, as it’s well known many European sides are keen on the youngster.