Arsenal are actively pursuing the Brazilian youngster, Vitor Roque, despite Barcelona interest and the player’s desire to play for them.
![Arsenal get serious about Vitor Roque 1 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)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2023/02/fbl-southam-u20-bra-ven-1-scaled-e1676714167958.jpg)
Arsenal are reportedly making significant moves to sign 18-year-old Brazilian talent Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense.
Despite Catalan media insisting that the player only wishes to join Barcelona, the Gunners appear undeterred.
Arsenal lead the race
In recent reports, Roque’s agent travelled to London to meet with both Arsenal and Chelsea, with Mikel Arteta’s side emerging as the frontrunners.
![Arsenal get serious about Vitor Roque 2 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)](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2023/03/fbl-southam-u20-bra-uru-1-scaled-e1678371644256.jpg)
Arsenal’s technical director, Edu Gaspar, is said to have presented a comprehensive plan for Roque’s future and used the club’s current Brazilian players as an added attraction.
Barcelona’s financial struggles
Barcelona’s well-documented financial issues may force them to delay their pursuit of Roque for up to a year, leaving the door open for Arsenal to capitalise.
The Gunners’ proactive approach puts them in a strong position, but they will need to ensure Roque isn’t swayed by the allure of joining Barcelona in the future.