Arsenal are poised to add another superstar Brazilian to their ranks, beating serious competition to a much-coveted wonderkid.
Last summer, the Gunners made perhaps their biggest statement yet in the transfer market under Mikel Arteta, adding Gabriel Jesus to their squad as first-choice striker. The No.9 scored twice at the weekend and has added a steely mentality to Arsenal's title challenge.
The Gunners also have countrymen Gabriel in defence and Gabriel Martinelli on the left-wing, giving north London a Brazilian core. Jorginho is Italian but born in Brazil, while youngster Marquinhos, who joined last summer, is on loan at the moment.
Now, Mundo Deportivo are claiming that the Gunners are leading the race for the much-talked-about Vitor Roque of Athletico Panaraense.
Chelsea and Barcelona are both set to be chasing the teenager's signature, too. Roque has been compared with fellow samba superstar Endrick and is expected to make the move to Europe soon.
Arsenal's Brazilian sporting director Edu Gaspar has reportedly made strong contacts in his homeland and with some reports valuing Roque's release clause at €60 million, this could be a huge statement from the league leaders.
Arteta reportedly wants to add more firepower to his squad – and will have Folarin Balogun returning from loan this summer.
Principally a centre-forward, Roque can also function on either wing. It's possible that Arsenal could sign the talent before loaning him out – as they have done with Marquinhos.
Roque is valued at €14m by Transfermarkt.
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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, sparking rumours that the Gunners could have to fight to keep their No.9. Manager Mikel Arteta has identified nine players who could leave this summer – while Rasmus Hojlund is a target up front, along with Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto.
Elsewhere, Gabri Veiga has been rumoured to be on Arsenal's radar, as has AC Milan star Brahim Diaz. Declan Rice is thought to be this summer's big target, with Oleksandr Zinchenko sharing a word with him when Ukraine played England, setting tongues wagging.
