Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Brazil - August 7, 2022. Athletico Paranaense's Vitor Roque celebrates scoring.
Arsenal are ready to go all out to bring Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Edu makes contact
The Brazilian only joined Paulo Turra’s side in April 2022 so his contract isn’t set to expire until 2027, but following some impressive performances he has caught the attention of the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium.
Sporting director Edu has already made contact with the 17-year-old’s representatives, with reports since suggesting that the two parties have now opened talks over a summer deal.
Paranaense’s president, Mario Celso Petraglia, has admitted that it will be hard to keep hold of his starlet having already received offers from unnamed suitors, and it’s claimed he has a €60m (£52m) release clause included in his terms.
The Latest: Arsenal to fight for Roque
According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are ‘willing to do anything’ to get a deal for Roque over the line.
The Gunners are set to face stiff competition from the likes of Barcelona, who are one of multiple European clubs also ‘in the mix’, but it’s stated that Mikel Arteta is currently the ‘most committed’ to signing him.
The teenager is ‘likely’ to leave his side in ‘one of the coming windows’.
Should Arsenal sign Roque?
Yes, he's got potential!
No, move on!
The Verdict: One for the future
Despite his young age, Roque has already earned 11 caps for Brazil’s U20s and he would be a hugely exciting signing for the future of Arsenal.
The left-footed gem has scored five goals and provided two assists in the Brazilian Serie A so far this season and has twice been awarded man-of-the-match, highlighting the positive impact he has on his side (WhoScored).
The Timoteo native has also been hailed a ‘diamond’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so the Gunners need to act fast should they want to beat their fellow competitors to his signature in the months ahead.
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