Vitor Roque hasn’t held any concrete talks with Arsenal, and Barcelona reportedly remain his favoured option for a summer move.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Vitor Roque plans to complete a transfer this summer, and he’s hoping to pick his next club early in the window.

Barcelona are currently the favourites, but there’s no agreement at this stage due to their Financial Fair Play difficulties. Other Premier League clubs are also in the race.

As for Arsenal, who have previously been touted as one of the leading contenders for the signing, Romano claims there haven’t been any concrete talks with the Gunners.

TEAMtalk had reported that both Arsenal and Chelsea were making progress as they looked to sign Roque from Athletico Paranaense.

To evade their FFP issues, Barcelona reportedly suggested an initial loan with an obligation to buy, but that didn’t go down well with Athletico.

Romano had previously confirmed that Arsenal had sent scouts to watch Roque, but it seems he’s now denying the Gunners’ interest has progressed beyond that.

Roque has a deal until 2027 with Athletico Paranaense, and at 18, he’s old enough for a transfer to Europe in the summer.

He made 52 senior appearances in 2022, scoring 14 goals and assisting five in all club competitions. He has four goals and two assists in nine games in 2023 so far.

The youngster is also a Brazil u20 international, scoring six and assisting two in his 11 matches 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.