When the Brazilian media reported West Ham United’s attempt to sign Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense, it was made clear that the bid wasn’t anywhere near enough.
It was said that the Hammers had put €14m on the table, and the Furacão ‘didn’t even consider’ that, not bothering to open talks for the transfer.
It turns out Athletico were apparently right in doing that, because after West Ham, other European sides started showing up for his signing.
A report from UOL today claims Arsenal started contacts for Vitor Roque’s transfer, and the Gunners are set to have competition from Barcelona.
The 17-year-old is protected by a €100m release clause, so the Brazilian side can simply hold him and wait for the huge bids to come.
Speaking to the local media this week, Athletico president Mario Celso Petraglia confirmed that despite the big interest, no European side was able to meet their requests for now.
“There’s a race for Vitor Roque. We cannot afford to pay what the Europeans pay. We’ve already received calls and offers, but they didn’t reach our number. It’s still a long way off,” said Petraglia (via TNT Sports).
