Vitor Roque: Barcelona and Arsenal transfer target continues hot streak

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 13 Mar 2023 14:53 GMT
3 min read

Vitor Roque, Athletico Paranaense, 2022 — © ProShots

Victor Roque is continuing his fine form at the moment for Athletico Paranaense.

The striker, who is wanted by Barcelona and Arsenal, scored a brace in the Paranaense Championship quarterfinal - a competition where he is the top-scorer.

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Such form will only spur on the links with elite sides - though he appears yet to make a final decision over which club he wishes to play for next.

Roque, who also featured in Brazil's youth side at the South American under-20 Championship, has been likened to Luis Suarez, so it’s no wonder that Barcelona are very much knocking at the door as to try and lure him to the Nou Camp.

Roque turned 18 on February 28 and is now therefore eligible to move to Europe. The Catalans are considered the favourite to earn his signature, having already negotiated with ex-Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is an executive at Athletico Paranaense.

Earlier this month, the attacker spoke about his ambition to join the La Liga outfit and become veteran Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor.

Barcelona in pole position

He told Sport: “Yes of course. I work for this. The competitions I played last year, the Libertadores and the Brasileirao, will help me to be well prepared when I go to Europe.

“I am very happy to be 18 years old, which now allows me to play abroad.

© ProShots - Roque has enjoyed great success with Brazil's Under-20s

"My goal is to continue working with humility because with faith in God, everything will turn out well. I try to stay focused on day to day and give my best at Athletico. I am sure that, doing well here, and going to Europe will be a consequence.

“It is not only a dream of mine but also of any player. If I end up going to Barca, it will be a great joy for my family and for me. For this reason, I have to continue working hard and hope that everything will come to fruition over time.”

Roque scored seven goals in 36 games in Serie A last season - while he boats an impressive eight goals in 11 games at Brazil Under-20s level.