Athletico Paranaense insist that there are no negotiations ongoing for Vitor Roque despite interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool West Ham United and Aston Villa.
Talk about a show of faith.
Last summer, Athletico Paranaense opted to make a 17-year-old with just 14 senior league appearances under his belt the most expensive acquisition in the club’s entire history. It’s fair to say Athletico’s faith has been repaid with interest.
Roque is already their record signing. Now, just 12 months later, he looks destined to become their record sale too.
According to Globo Esporte, West Ham, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Aston Villa have all made contact regarding the Brazil U20 international recently. Arsenal appear to be at the front of the queue as far as Roque’s Premier League suitors are concerned, however.
Edu Gaspar opened talks weeks ago, TEAMtalk adding that Arsenal are ‘pushing hard’ to secure the services of a teenage striker who would set the Premier League leaders back an eye-watering £35 million.
Will Arsenal still win the race to sign Vitor Roque?
As far as Alexandre Mattos is concerned, however, reports suggesting that Roque is on the verge of packing his bags are wide of the mark. Nothing, the Athletico chief says, is quite as advanced as reports would have you believe.
“There’s absolutely nothing in it,” Mattos explains.
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“At the right time, if something comes up that the president thinks is worthwhile, then we’ll talk. It is worth remembering that we made the biggest investment in our history (to sign Roque).
“We have a developing player. He has just turned 18. He has a long contract, and we hope he evolves at Athletico, builds his career here.”
Roque scored six times in eight games as Brazil won the U20 South American Championships recently. The one-time Selecao international, who idolises Luis Suarez, has made no secret of his desire to join La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Another summer of cost-cutting at the Camp Nou, however, means Barca risk missing out on perhaps the most exciting young attacker anywhere in South America.
“I try to do my best at Athletico,” Roque explains. “I know that Barcelona are interested, and other clubs too. But I want to focus here. I have a contract until 2027.
“I’m doing my best here. Who knows? If it’s good for Athletico, for me, for my family, a transfer will happen. It’s not only my dream, but my family’s. I do have the goal of getting there, and I’m sure we’ll do everything to get there together.”
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