Vitor Roque makes sensational transfer decision amid Arsenal and Barca interest

Robin Bairner

• 5 May 2023 11:50 BST
• 2 min read

Athletico Paranaense attacker Vitor Roque has made a pivotal decision over his future, with Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs interested in signing him.

The 18-year-old attacker has been in sensational form for the Brazilian side, with whom he has a contract until 2027.

It was expected that he would leave Paranaense this summer for Europe, but it is now suggested that he will put the brakes on his desire to move – and for a very good reason.

For several days, Vitor Roque has been announced as having his heart set on a move to Barcelona, but that appears impossible because of the club’s financial position.

However, it may become a viable transfer in 12 months, giving the Catalan side a chance to stabilise themselves.

According to Sani Ovalle, Vitor Roque would prefer to wait things out at Paranaense than to play the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea and potentially miss this opportunity to play with Barca.

This eventuality was hinted at previously by Fabrizio Romano, who said of the Gunners’ interest: “For Vitor Roque, many are asking about Arsenal because the Sporting Director is the Brazilian, Edu Gaspar.

“I have a feeling, speaking to my sources, that Vitor Roque is not in Arsenal’s list at this stage, there are other English clubs in the race, not Arsenal but other clubs.”

While the Gunners’ interest is considered to be live in Spain, there are also two other Premier League clubs following the 18-year-old, who is already old enough to make a transfer to Europe unlike Real Madrid’s Endrick, who will remain with Palmeiras until he becomes legally an adult.

Vitor Roque’s decision, then, is a bold one. Big clubs are ready to move for him now, but he will wait for Barcelona, where the situation remains fluid and could have changed for better or for worse this time next year.