Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque ahead of the summer transfer window. The 18-year-old has impressed with his side Athletico Paranaense since breaking into the first-team, with his recent performances even earning him a call-up to the senior men's Brazil squad.
The striker has since been rumoured with an exit and has even talked up the potential for a switch to Europe to continue his early career, with Barcelona a particular aim. He told Sport in February: "If ending up going to Barca comes to fruition, it will be a great joy for my family and for me... for this reason, I have to continue working hard and hope that everything will come to fruition over time."
The issue for the Catalonian side will likely be their restrictions in the transfer market as they look to adhere to financial fair play rules. Last summer they were playing in the free transfer market as they scaled back spending, while it remains to be seen what the case will be this time around.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the Blaugrana are Roque's favourite option but there's no agreement due to their financial restrictions. He adds that Arsenal have not had concrete talks over a move, while plenty of other Premier League clubs are eyeing a move too.
The most important thing though could be the fact that Romano claims the striker wants to pick his future club sooner rather than later in the window. It gives both Arsenal and Chelsea a deadline to get themselves talks and an agreement sorted with the youngster.
It remains to be seen if either London club will be able to do that, but if not they risk missing out on a potential generational talent in the coming months.
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