Former Arsenal striker Eduardo has urged his former club to sign Vitor Roque despite potential competition from Barcelona. The 18-year wonderkid has been heavily linked with a move to various top European clubs recently as he continues to impress for Athletico Paranaense.
Roque has become a frequent feature in the Brazilian outfit's starting line-up since breaking into the first-team last season. The striker and Andrey Santos, who signed for Chelsea in January, helped Brazil win the South American Under-20 Championship this year.
He was named in the Team of the Tournament after finishing joint top-scorer alongside the Blues youngster. With Santos joining the west London outfit and Endrick penning a move to Real Madrid, Roque has emerged as Brazil's next top young talent.
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In an interview with Betway, Eduardo encouraged Arsenal to sign the teenage sensation, who has been tipped as the 'next Luis Suarez'. The former Gunners striker said: "Vitor Roque is a great player.
"He has been a starting XI player for Athletico Paranaense since he was 17 years old. It is a great club who I had the pleasure of playing for.
"They develop great players. Top clubs in Europe also want him as well as Arsenal. Roque has also been selected to be a part of the Brazilian national team, so I hope Arsenal sign him as I have no doubt that he will help Arsenal achieve their objectives."
Despite Eduardo's plea to Arsenal to sign Roque, the £52.5million-rated wonderkid has already revealed that he is ready to play for Barcelona. Speaking to Spanish outlet Sport, he said: "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.
"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, 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."
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