Arsenal step up Vitor Roque transfer hunt with Mikel Arteta confident of beating Barcelona to 18-year-old Brazilian

ARSENAL are ready to rival Barcelona in the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, according to reports.

The 18-year-old striker has 14 goals in 40 games for Athletico Paranaense.

EPARoque has forced his way into the senior squad after helping Brazil win the U20 South American Championship last month[/caption]

Brazil’s former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari claimed: “He will become one of the greatest players we have ahead of us”.

Roque received his first senior international call-up for Brazil this month, coming on as a substitute in their 2-1 defeat to Morocco last Saturday.

According to Sport, Barcelona will face opposition from Arsenal and Chelsea for the young star.

The Catalans were thought to be leading the race, with the forward admitting they are his dream club.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023

However, Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo have also reported that the player is not looking to ignore the Premier League sides and his dad was recently in London.

Any battle for his signature could increase his price tag.

His representatives have moved their interest away from Barcelona due to the club’s financial limitations.

Barcelona were unable to sign any new players in January, and as things stand, they won’t be allowed to spend during the summer transfer window as well.

This means the Gunners should find it far easier to reach a transfer agreement.

Roque would be following in the footsteps of fellow Brazilian’s Martinelli and Marquinhos, who joined the North London club in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar has been in contact with the teenager for months.

Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Arsenal will play Leeds at the Emirates on Saturday.