Sources: Door opens for Arsenal to sign ‘next Gabriel Martinelli’
Arsenal are interested in signing Brazilian sensation Vitor Roque this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 18-year-old forward is one of football’s most sought-after young stars in the world this summer after bursting onto the scene with Athletico Paranaense.
The Gunners have launched multiple scouting missions to watch Roque this season and are considering a big-money bid for the talented striker this summer.
Barcelona and Chelsea have also been closely monitoring Roque’s progress and are prepared to make their interest official in the summer, although the latter could see their plan collapse because of finances.
Football Insider sources revealed on Saturday (21 April) that Chelsea’s bid for Roque could be derailed because of the club’s Financial Fair Play issues.
It is understood that Athletico Paranaense have placed a £35-40million price tag on Roque with a number of European clubs circling.
After enjoying success in the Premier League with an extremely young squad, Mikel Arteta remains on the lookout for up-and-coming talents and could green-light a move for Roque.
The North London club have enjoyed previous transfer success in Brazil and have retained contacts from their previous business in the nation.
Arsenal signed Gabriel Martinelli from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and he has gone on to be a huge success at The Emirates, scoring 33 goals in 126 appearances.
The Gunners’ recruitment team believe Roque could follow in the footsteps of Martinelli and see Chelsea’s financial issues as a prime opportunity for them to hijack the deal.
In other news, Arsenal in pole position to complete Declan Rice signing – £83m offer revealed