Vitor Roque 'turns down Arsenal in favour of Barcelona'

Athletico Paranaense starlet Vitor Roque has reportedly snubbed a move to Arsenal in favour of joining Barcelona this summer.

The 18-year-old is the latest talented teenager from Brazil to have caught the eye of European giants thanks to a breakthrough 2022 season at the highest level.

Roque ended the most recent campaign with seven goals and three assists from 36 games in all tournaments, scoring five goals and setting up one more in 29 Serie A appearances as the Red and Black finished sixth and qualified for the Copa Libertadores.

During the 2022 edition of South America's premier continental tournament, Roque shone with two goals and two assists in seven knockout matches, as his side lost to Flamengo in the final.

The versatile attacker, who can play up front or on either wing, was also on top form in the recent Under-20 South American Championship, scoring six goals - the joint-highest alongside Chelsea's Andrey Santos - in eight games as Brazil won the title.

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The 2005-born attacker - who has been called up to the senior Brazil squad for a friendly against Morocco this month - is not due to become a free agent until 2027, but he has understandably attracted the interest of numerous European teams.

A recent report claimed that all of Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were chasing the 18-year-old, but the latter three clubs must seemingly give up hope of luring him to England.

According to Sport, Roque has already ruled out a move to Arsenal due to his desire to play for Barcelona, who are optimistic about their chances of getting a summer deal over the line.

Roque supposedly refused to consider offers from other clubs once he heard about Barcelona's interest, and Xavi has given the green light to the teenager's arrival.

Barcelona subsequently contacted Roque's agent to inform them that they would make a summer approach for the youngster, and the Catalan giants have ended their interest in Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko as a result.

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However, the Red and Black are still holding firm on their demands over a fee - believed to be in the region of £40m - and Barcelona must sell before they can buy to remain in line with La Liga's salary cap regulations.

Rather than loan him back out to his current club, Barcelona reportedly want to integrate Roque into the first team this summer, and the striker recently told Globo that it would be his "dream" to play for La Blaugrana.

"I know that Barcelona is interested and so are other clubs. It's a dream. But not just for Barca, but for European clubs. Every child has this dream," Roque said.

"Barca is a club that always gives the youth players a chance. They are different. I definitely feel prepared to play in Europe. I work for it, I'm focused on getting there as prepared as possible."

Roque previously represented America Mineiro at youth level and earned his first taste of senior football with Cruzeiro before joining Athletico Paranaense in April 2022.