Arsenal take a step forward in the pursuit of Athletico Paranaense’s Vitor Roque, meeting with the player’s representatives in London.

Brazil's Athletico Paranaense Vitor Roque celebrates after scoring a goal against Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata during their Copa Libertadores football tournament quarterfinals second leg match, at the Jorge Luis Hirschi stadium in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on August 11, 2022. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Athletico Paranaense Vitor Roque celebrates after scoring a goal against Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata during their Copa Libertadores football tournament quarterfinals second leg match, at the Jorge Luis Hirschi stadium in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on August 11, 2022. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)

Gunners’ interest in Brazilian starlet

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Athletico Paranaense’s young prodigy, Vitor Roque, and the North London club’s interest shows no signs of waning.

With competition heating up for the 18-year-old’s signature, the Gunners are looking to stay ahead of the pack in the race for one of Brazil’s most promising talents.

London meeting with player’s camp

Taking their pursuit to the next level, Arsenal representatives have reportedly held a meeting with Vitor Roque’s agents and father in London, according to Globo Esporte.

As interest in the young forward grows, his camp has been touring Europe, speaking to various clubs about a potential move.

Competition heats up for Vitor Roque

Brazil's Vitor Roque heads the ball during the South American U-20 championship first round football match against Brazil at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali, Colombia, on January 23, 2023. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / AFP) (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Vitor Roque heads the ball during the South American U-20 championship first round football match against Brazil at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali, Colombia, on January 23, 2023. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / AFP) (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

While no official bids have been made yet, it’s clear that the race for Roque’s signature is becoming increasingly competitive.

Globo Esporte reports that Barcelona, along with two other Premier League clubs, have indicated they will be submitting offers during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu Gaspar, has been in touch with Roque’s entourage since February, making the Gunners one of the frontrunners in this transfer battle.

The club will need to dig deep, though, as the asking price for Roque is expected to exceed €42 million.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching for any developments in the pursuit of Vitor Roque, hoping their club can secure the young talent and strengthen the squad for future success.