Vitor Roque is continuing to enhance his burgeoning reputation with some stellar displays for the Brazil U-20 national team at the South American U-20 Championship in Colombia.
Aged 17, the Athletico Paranaense striker has netted six goals and set up seven more for the Selecao youth team in seven matches at the competition.
This comes after his exploits helped Athletico Paranaense reach the Copa Libertadores finals last season.
Barcelona have shown serious interest in signing Vitor Roque in the summer. The Catalans see the teenager as an ideal understudy for Robert Lewandowski before he can replace the veteran superstar as the main striker at Spotify Camp Nou.
However, according to Joaquim Piera of SPORT, Premier League leaders Arsenal have joined Barcelona in pursuit of Vitor Roque and are pushing to sign the teenage prodigy.
The Gunners have been expanding their network in the Brazilian footballing scenes ever since Edu Gaspar took over as director. And they have identified Roque as a target for the summer, with Edu even contacting the youngster’s agent to inform him of their interest.
However, as per the report, it is Barcelona who are currently leading the race to sign the teenage sensation, who will turn 18 later this month.
The report suggests that Barcelona have already made contact with Athletico Paranaense through former midfielder and transfer advisor Deco.
It must be noted that dDeco previously played under Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is the transfer coordinator for Athletico, at Chelsea and for the Portuguese national team.
The Blaugrana are confident of signing Roque as they believe that the player and his entourage want the move to Camp Nou.
Dubbed the ‘Brazilian Luis Suarez’ for his goalscoring instincts, Roque could cost around €30 million plus variables in the summer.
Barcelona are currently leading Arsenal in the race and while more Premier League clubs are expected to show interest, the Blaugrana remain optimistic about landing the teenager.
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