Don't Miss

Arsenal keen on signing Brazilian starlet Vitor Roque

By Ritayan Chatterjee on February 14, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Atletico Paranaense youngster Vitor Roque, as per the Spanish outlet AS.

The Gunners have been keeping a close eye on the Brazilian market since Edu Gasper’s arrival as director and they have previously signed Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos as youngsters from South America.

Martinelli has been a very successful acquisition as he has established himself as an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven since joining the club back in 2019. But Marquinhos, who just arrived last summer, is still young and needs time to develop.

It seems Arsenal are continuing to monitor young Brazilian talents and Roque is the name who has attracted the north London club’s attention in recent times. The 17-year-old was a key part of Brazil’s u-20 team that won the recently concluded U-20 South American Championship, scoring six goals in nine appearances.

According to the report by AS, Arsenal are showing an interest in signing Roque and they are ready to ‘do anything’ to secure the forward’s signature over the coming months. But, they are set to face a stern challenge from La Liga leaders Barcelona in getting this deal done as they are also eyeing a move for the teenage wonderkid.

Roque to Arsenal

The report further claims that it would be difficult for Atletico Paranaense to keep hold of their youngster if the European giants such as Arsenal decide to formalise their interest. And it has previously been reported that the Brazilian side want a fee north of £40m to let their asset leave over the coming months.

Roque is a talented forward and possesses high potential. However, the reported £40m valuation could be a big stumbling block for Arsenal in getting this deal done as the north London club are unlikely to spend that much money to sign a raw young talent who still needs plenty of development before reaching his full potential.

So, despite the fact that the South American would be a very good signing for the Gunners with the view of a long-term future, not for the reported £40m fee.

Therefore, it is going to be interesting to see whether Arsenal will be able to find an agreement to sign Roque if Arteta’s side opt to formalise their interest in signing him at the end of this season.