On February 13th, Sport reported Arsenal will provide strong competition to Barcelona in the race to sign Athletico Paranaense star Vitor Roque.
Later that day, AS explained the Gunners are willing to do anything to bring the striker to the Emirates.
Barcelona and Arsenal are joined by several clubs across Europe in the chase for the 17-year-old, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Roque was part of Brazil’s squad that won the U20 South American Championship earlier this month and finished the tournament as joint top scorer [with Andrey Santos] with six goals.
He will turn 18 years of age later this month. This, coupled with his latest form for Brazil U20 has seen him become one of the most sought-after players. It has also ‘increased’ the player’s asking price, as transfer games begin in Brazil to make sure the most money possible is brought in.
It’s claimed Barca, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and a few other clubs already wanted the attacker before the South American U20 championship kicked off last month.
Amid interest from Mikel Arteta’s side and others, Barcelona feel they are best placed to sign the player mainly because he favours a move to the Camp Nou.
His agent has met the Catalan club leaders and informed them that Athletico Paranaense would be able to carry out the operation for a price between €35m and €40m.
Barca plan to send a delegation to Brazil to carry out negotiations with Athletico Paranaense and hold talks with Roque and his family.
Arsenal will have to act fast if they want to get ahead of Barcelona and others to secure Roque’s signature.
