Arsenal to beat Barcelona to 'Brazilian Aguero'

Stuart Telford

• 14 Apr 2023 15:49 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are favourites to beat Barcelona to the signing of Vitor Roque, the Brazilian wonderkid who has drawn comparisons with Sergio Aguero.

Roque has captured the imagination with Athletico Paranaense this season, scoring four goals in six top-flight appearances despite his tender 18 years, and earning his first senior Brazil cap in March.

Breaking the lines previously likened him to Aguero and Carlos Tevez. "He sits at just 172cm which is why he's garnering [those] comparisons," they wrote in recently.

READ: Who is Vitor Roque? The Brazilian wonderkid wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona

"His stature allows him to be shifty and move all around the pitch, dropping into the half-spaces and wider areas rather than just pining defenders and beating them with his physique."

Barca have been tracking his progress for some time, and the player has previously admitted that the Catalan giants are his dream club, but their financial dire straits would make a move difficult.

Barcelona have been told by La Liga to reduce their debt by €200 million if they want to compete next season, and shelling out in the region of €40m for a teenaged striker makes little sense with Robert Lewandowski still performing at a high level.

READ: Vitor Roque chooses new club and BLOCKS all other offers

Interest from London

"Arsenal and Chelsea have both been in contact with Roque's camp," report TeamTealk. "The two London clubs are pushing hard to sign him as they know the opportunity to agree a transfer for €40m is one that is simply too good to turn down."

Arsenal could have an ace in the hole in their sporting director Edu, however. The Brazilian oversees the Gunners' transfers and has managed the successful integration of his compatriots Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos over the last season.

The Premier League leaders also have Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli in their ranks, so Roque would be made to feel at home quickly.

Chelsea might provide competition but with Andrey Santos falling foul of UK work permit regulations before returning on loan to Vasco da Gama in January, Roque would only have Thiago Silva, a player 20 years his senior, for company at Stamford Bridge.