In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Arsenal are facing stiff competition for Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque. It has been claimed that the Gunners will have to rival Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and a few other clubs in the race to land the gifted centre-forward.
Roque’s Impressive Record In Brazilian Football This Season
The 17-year-old is having a fine campaign in Brazilian football after producing some eye-catching displays as the focal point of Athletico Paranaense’s attack. Roque deserves credit for featuring in 36 senior matches for the Brazilian club so far, netting seven goals and earning three assists in the process across all fronts.
The talented teenager has mostly settled for a spot on Paranaense’s bench which could be why he is only averaging 1.4 shots, 0.4 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the Brasileirao. However, he needs to take care of the ball a bit better in the final third after making just 70% of his attempted passes in the Brazilian top tier (stats via whoscored).
Roque’s current contract at the Brazilian club is set to run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, it will be tough for Arsenal to arrange a move to bring him to North London later this year.
Arsenal Are Facing Stiff Competition For Roque: Is He Worth The Fight?
Roque can engineer space for himself to get a few strikes in on-target. He has also got the eye to play a decisive pass on the attacking end of the field.
Roque primarily operates as a central striker but doesn’t mind filling in as a wide player on either flank if asked to do so. The Brazilian prospect is a technically gifted footballer who can complete some dangerous dribbles in the opponent’s half. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and would need time to prove his worth in senior football.
Still, there is no denying that Roque is a prospect to watch out for in the future. Thus, the Gunners would be wise to move in for him at the end of this campaign as he will be an excellent choice for them in the long run.
At 17, Roque has the potential to become a generational talent under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta at the North London club. With all things considered, he is well worth the fight, so Arsenal should go all out in the race to land him next summer.
