Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar has made contact with the agent of 17-year-old Brazilian forward Vitor Roque, according to a report.

Goal report that Arsenal have joined Chelsea, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona in the race for Vitor Roque, reaching out to discuss his proposal.

Edu Gaspar has reportedly approached the player’s agent as well, but the Gunners are yet to make a concrete proposal.

As it stands, Barcelona are leading the race to sign the Brazilian teenager.

Roque’s current club, Club Athletico Paranaense, are reportedly holding out for the player’s release clause – set at €60m (£53m).

As he turns 18 later this month, he’ll be old enough for a transfer to Europe in the summer. But he has a contract until 2027, so his club are in a strong position to turn away lowball offers.

Roque only moved to Athletico-PR last April, joining from Cruzeiro Esporte Clube.

He made 52 appearances for the two clubs in 2022, scoring 14 goals and assisting five in all club competitions.

The youngster is also a Brazil u20 international, scoring six goals and assisting two in his 10 games with the national side.

If Athletico-PR really plan to hold out for £53m, that could make it a difficult deal for Arsenal to do.

The Gunners should have that kind of money to spend in the summer, but not on another young striker. With Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun, and a number of others in the academy, that’s an area where they’re already pretty well stocked.