Arsenal are ready to pay as high as €50 million for young Brazilian striker Vitor Roque.
The Athletico Paranaense forward is said to be the next big thing coming from Brazil and is linked with a move to Arsenal.
Roque, 19, is a keen follower of the Premier League and is open to a move to England after his agent met with Arsenal’s Sporting Director earlier this year.
According to Brazilian outlet, UOL, a move to Barcelona has collapsed due to the Spanish side’s financial troubles and poor relegation with Vitor’s agent, André Cury who was Barcelona’s representative in South America before losing his job to Deco.
Athletico Paranaense has reportedly rejected a €14 million bid from West Ham for the striker and is holding out for a bigger bid.
Despite having a €100 million release clause in his contract, Vitor Roque could be available for around €50 million at the end of the season. His contract with the club runs until 2027.
With Barcelona and Chelsea also interested, Roque’s value has increased after winning the U-20 Sudamericana title and his recent call up to the senior national team, and the club is expecting a fee in the region of 50 million euros to let their jewel move to Europe.
The 19-year-old is highly rated in South America and has a bright future. Roque could be a great long-term investment for Arsenal, as they could definitely use more depth in the attack.
Arsenal’s Brazilian connection with Edu and the three Gabi’s could be the key to persuading Roque to drop his personal affection for Barcelona and move to England.
