WATCH: Arsenal and Barcelona teen target scores historic goal

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:37 CDT
• 3 min read

Arsenal and Barcelona target Vitor Roque has scored his first goal of the 2023 Brasileiro Serie A season.

The 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense star is one of South America's hottest commodities and has long since been linked with a move to Europe. Despite his tender years, Roque already has several seasons of senior football under his belt, and he is being courted by some of the continent's biggest clubs.

For a while, Barcelona were the clear favourites to land the precocious striker, but recent reports suggest that their pursuit had to be put on ice due to their dire financial situation. The Blaugrana need to trim down their wage bill by some €200 million before they can think about completing any new signings.

READ: Barcelona OUT of the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid

This, in turn, has put the ball in Arsenal's court, though a concrete approach has not yet been made. Unimpressed by the transfer battle raging on around him, Roque has continued to perform in Brazil, and the youngster has already hit double digits in goals this year.

His first Serie A goal

With six goals at the U20 South American Championship, a strike in Copa Libertadores play and four goals in the regional Campeonato Paranaense already to his name this year, Roque again found the back of the net at the weekend against Atletico Mineiro.

Though ultimately only a 92nd-minute consolation goal given Hulk's two earlier strikes for the hosts, Roque nevertheless impressed with his clinical finish and overall performance.

With Mineiro dallying on the ball, Paranaense pounced. Roque's first touch allowed him to beat a defender and calmly slot the ball past the keeper. It was the 18-year-old's first Serie A goal of the season, and it takes his tally in Brazil's top flight to six.

READ: Arsenal to sell wonderkid in surprise summer transfer

If he continues his good form, Arsenal and Barcelona won't be the only clubs vying for his services.