As has been claimed for a while now, Arsenal are reportedly ahead in the race to sign Athletico Paranaense’s 18-year-old striker Vitor Roque and apparently the player’s ‘will’ is to go to England.

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) (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

According to this latest report, the player is now keen on a move to England, while Roque’s agent has held informal talks with Arsenal.

Despite Barcelona’s interest, negotiations may be difficult due to the agent’s poor relationship with the club.

Vitor Roque‘s current contract with Athletico Paranaense is set to expire in 2027 and includes a €100 million release clause.

Athletico Paranaense have already rejected a €14 million offer from West Ham and reportedly need at least €50 million to sanction Roque’s sale.

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Arsenal transfers - 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)

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Arsenal transfers - 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)

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Arsenal transfers - LA PLATA, ARGENTINA - AUGUST 11: Vitor Roque of Athletico-PR celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2022 quarter final second leg match between Estudiantes and Athletico Paranaense at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium on August 11, 2022 in La Plata, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Arsenal-linked forward prefers Barcelona move

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