Transfer market drama is heating up with Arsenal in the race to sign Athletico Paranaense’s star, Vitor Roque.

The North Londoners face stiff competition from Barcelona, but according to Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners have an edge financially.

Arsenal transfers - 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)
  • Arsenal are vigorously pursuing Athletico Paranaense’s star striker, Vitor Roque, amid competition from Barcelona, Chelsea, and Newcastle.
  • Arsenal reportedly have a financial edge over Barcelona, who are waiting for La Liga’s approval for their feasibility plan before making moves in the market.
  • Mikel Arteta’s side must persuade the player and his agent, as there are hints they could favour a move to Barcelona.
Arsenal transfers - Brazil's Vitor Roque kisses 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 DANIEL MUNOZ / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Vitor Roque kisses 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 DANIEL MUNOZ / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s determination in bringing the 18-year-old striker to the Emirates has been evident in recent weeks.

Athletico Paranaense has set a high asking price of €35m for Roque, and as it stands, Barcelona is unable to match this.

However, the Catalans have not ruled out a loan deal with an obligation to buy in 2024, after gaining approval for the feasibility of their plan from La Liga.

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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)
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)

The Brazilian club is reportedly resigned to losing their star in the upcoming transfer window, but not without some remuneration.

Mikel Arteta’s side, along with Chelsea and Newcastle, lead the English interest in the player, increasing the pressure on Barcelona.

However, it’s not just a financial battle for the Gunners.

The real challenge lies in convincing Roque and his agent, André Cury, to favour a move to London.

Arsenal transfers - 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)

With their sights set on Roque, Arsenal’s strategic manoeuvres in this transfer market saga will be crucial to avoid an auction with other interested English clubs.

Adding an interesting dynamic to this transfer tussle is the recent appointment of Deco as Barcelona’s new sporting director.

There’s hope at Camp Nou that Deco’s arrival could convince Athletico Paranaense to relax their demands.

Nonetheless, Arsenal’s healthier economic situation offers a strong hand in this potential deal.

This pursuit of Roque underlines Arsenal’s ambition in the transfer market. The next few weeks promise to be intriguing as we await developments in this story.

With the financial prowess and the allure of Premier League football, Arteta’s side appears to hold some advantages.

However, in the high-stakes world of football transfers, anything can happen.

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