Arsenal and West Ham are reportedly still interested in 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense star Vitor Roque, who has also been pursued by Barcelona.

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) (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) (Photo by JUAN PABLO PINO/AFP via Getty Images)

As the summer draws near, rumours around Vitor Roque are starting to pick up with the forward looking like he will be on the move.

Roque himself is said to prefer a move to Barca, but the Spanish giants have been unable to reach an agreement with his current club.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Roque’s price tag will not drop below €35-40m, which may not be a problem for Arsenal and West Ham.

Roque has stated that he is preparing to make a move to Europe, likely in the summer.

Arsenal determined to sign Vitor Roque ahead of Barcelona

Brazil's player Vitor Roque celebrates after winning the South American U-20 football championship after defeating Uruguay 2-0 in their final round match, at El Campin stadium in Bogota, on February 12, 2023. (Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP) (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s player Vitor Roque celebrates after winning the South American U-20 football championship after defeating Uruguay 2-0 in their final round match, at El Campin stadium in Bogota, on February 12, 2023.  (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

Two weeks ago, it was reported that Arsenal were trying to secure the signature of Vitor Roque ahead of Barcelona and were ‘willing to do anything‘ to land him.

The 18-year-old’s recent form has reportedly increased his asking price, which is said to be between €35m and €40m.

While Barcelona plans to send a delegation to Brazil to negotiate a deal, Arsenal are said to be willing to “do anything” to sign Roque and have initiated preliminary talks.

The Gunners have not yet made a specific offer for the player.

Edu starts talks to sign Vitor Roque

Back in February, it was reported that Edu Gaspar, the Technical Director of Arsenal, had initiated contact with Vitor Roque’s agent in an attempt to secure the Brazilian striker’s signature.

Who is Vitor Roque?

Brazil's Andrey Santos (L) and Vitor Roque hold the trophy after winning the South American U-20 football championship after defeating Uruguay 2-0 in their final round match, at El Campin stadium in Bogota, on February 12, 2023. (Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP) (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Andrey Santos (L) and Vitor Roque hold the trophy after winning the South American U-20 football championship after defeating Uruguay 2-0 in their final round match, at El Campin stadium in Bogota, on February 12, 2023. (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

Vitor Roque is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil.

He was born on February 12, 2005, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Roque is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football, having helped Brazil win the U20 South American Championship in 2023.

The teenager is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability, and has been compared to former Brazil international Ronaldo.