Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Vitor Roque, but they’re just one of a number of teams interested in the striker, according to a report.

CURITIBA, BRAZIL: Vitor Roque of Athletico Paranaense competes for the ball with Marcos Rocha of Palmeiras during a match between Athletico Paranaense and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao 2022 at Arena da Baixada Stadium on October 25, 2022. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)
CURITIBA, BRAZIL: Vitor Roque of Athletico Paranaense competes for the ball with Marcos Rocha of Palmeiras during a match between Athletico Paranaense and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao 2022 at Arena da Baixada Stadium on October 25, 2022. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Club Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque, but they aren’t the only ones.

Five top European clubs are reportedly tracking the centre-forward, who is on the shortlist of Barcelona, among others.

Romano claims Athletico would want around €60m to part with the 17-year-old, even more than the €40m figure reported elsewhere.

Bruno Andrade had written for Brazilian outlet UOL that Arsenal were the latest club interested in signing Vitor Roque, opening initial exploratory conversations and discussing internally an eventual push to sign the teenage striker.

Mikel Arteta has reportedly endorsed the club’s interest, but UOL claim his release clause is as high as €100m.

With a deal lasting until 2027, Arsenal would have to try and negotiate the price down.

As well as UOL, Goal recently reported that Arsenal had joined Chelsea, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona in the race for Roque.

Edu Gaspar was reportedly the one to approach the player’s agent, but the Gunners are yet to make a concrete proposal.

Brazil's Vitor Roque celebrates after scoring against Venezuela during the South American U-20 championship football match at the Metropolitano de Techo stadium in Bogota, Colombia on February 3, 2023. (Photo by JUAN PABLO PINO/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Vitor Roque celebrates after scoring against Venezuela during the South American U-20 championship football match at the Metropolitano de Techo stadium in Bogota, Colombia on February 3, 2023. (Photo by JUAN PABLO PINO/AFP via Getty Images)

As Roque turns 18 later this month, he’ll be old enough for a transfer to Europe in the summer. The striker 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 11 games with the national side.

All of those goals were scored in Brazil’s successful u20 South American Championship campaign, with his side emerging as champions this week.