For the past few weeks, claims coming out of Spain and Brazil have named Arsenal and West Ham United among Vitor Roque’s suitors.
On February 14th, UOL stated Edu Gasper is leading the Gunners’ interest in the Athletico Paranaense star. Later that day, there were claims discussing the Hammers’ interest in the 18-year-old.
Arsenal and West Ham are again mentioned in today’s Mundo Deportivo as they state the two Premier League sides are showing interest in the forward.
Barcelona need a new striker in the summer after offloading Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay in the last two windows. They are serious about the Brazil U21 international.
The La Liga side have been working on the teenager’s signing for months but haven’t been able to find an agreement with Athletico Paranaense. Roque, for his part, prioritises a move to Barca over Arsenal, West Ham, Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s not made clear whether Barca can meet the fee demands to sign him. Mundo claim Roque’s price ‘will not drop’ below €35-40m and this may not be a problem for Arsenal and West Ham.
This report comes a day after the player admitted he’s preparing to make a jump to Europe, likely in the summer.