Arsenal and Chelsea are both 'pushing hard' to sign Brazilian talent Vitor Roque this summer. The 18-year-old continues to impress in South America and has been compared to the likes of Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero and former City and Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez.
The Gunners have enjoyed success from signing Brazilian players in the past with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus all excelling under Mikel Arteta. Sporting director Edu Gaspar will be aware of the upcoming talents from Brazil and Roque looks set to follow in Neymar and Vinicius Junior's footsteps by making a move to Europe this summer.
Chelsea are in need of a new striker ahead of next season given the poor form of Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Armando Broja is not set to return from a long-term knee injury until later this year, and given the Blues' problems in front of goal this term, a new striker addition would be smart business by Todd Boehly.
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Roque has already scored four goals in seven appearances this year after notching 19 goal contributions in 52 appearances last year. Due to the teenager’s fine form, it is no surprise that he is being tipped to gain a big transfer this summer with Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all having been linked with his services.
According to TEAMtalk, the 18-year-old forward will definitely be available for transfer later this year as Athletico Paranaense simply cannot keep him. Barcelona had been leading the chase, but those negotiations have stalled due to the Spanish club’s financial difficulties.
The Catalan giants proposed an initial loan with an obligation to buy in 2024, but that Paranaense would prefer to sell Roque for a fee in the region of €40million (£35.1milion). The report adds that Arsenal and Chelsea have both been in contact with Roque’s camp with the two London rivals pushing hard to sign him, as they know the opportunity to agree a transfer for £35.1million transfer is one that is simply too good to turn down given the player's talent and potential.
The Blues will hope they can convince Roque to join up with his Brazil Under-20s team-mate Andrey Santos after the duo helped the Selecao win the South American championship. The Gunners will hope the appeal of playing alongside a number of other Brazilians and competing in the Champions League will swing talks in their favour.
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