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Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea all targeting Vitor Roque?

By Ben Sully | 10 March 2023

Barcelona, Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea all targeting Vitor Roque?

Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs who are considering a move for Athletico Paranaense teenager Vitor Roque.

Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in signing Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque.

The 18-year-old scored six goals and provided one assist in 16 games for Cruzeiro before he completed a move to Athletico Paranaense in April 2022.

Since completing the switch, Roque has registered eight goals and three assists in 38 appearances for the Furacao.

Earlier this year, the teenager played a starring role in Brazil's campaign at the South American Under-20 Championship.

The forward finished as the competition's joint top scorer alongside Andrey Santos with six goals, as his country went on to win the competition for the 12th time.

Barcelona manager Xavi pictured in September 2022 © Reuters

Having impressed for his club side and at youth level for Brazil, Roque is attracting interest from a number of European clubs.

According to 90min, Barcelona, Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all considering moves for the Brazilian.

The report claims that Barcelona are currently leading the race to sign Roque, who has indicated his liking for the La Liga leaders.

Roque has a contract with Athletico Paranaense until June 2027, which includes a release clause worth €60m (£53m).

With Roque linked with a number of clubs, he has recently commented on the possibility of moving to a European side.

Vitor Roque in action for Athletico Paranaense on November 2, 2022 © Reuters

The youngster told O Globo: "I definitely feel prepared to play in Europe. I'm working for it, and I'm focused on getting there as prepared as possible."

The Athletico Paranaense man was recently called up to the senior national team for Brazil's friendly against Morocco on March 25.

Ahead of a potential international debut, Roque has spoken about his desire to wear the iconic number nine shirt, which was famously worn by Ronaldo.

"The number nine shirt certainly has a different type of weight to it," Roque said. "If you stop to think about it, so many players are now successful, like Richarlison, and others from the past, it's about pride."

Roque has also been linked with a number of other European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and West Ham United.