Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has suggested that it is not a forgone conclusion that transfer target Vitor Roque is destined for Spain. The 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense midfielder has been on the radar of Europe’s top clubs for over a year and Arsenal’s sporting director Edu, a former teammate of Gilberto’s, has a strong track record in luring top Brazilian talent to the Emirates. However, reports claim Roque, along with Manchester United target Endrick, are close to agreeing deals with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Gilberto, agent of United midfielder Fred, believes his old club still have a chance of tempting Roque to sign for the north London club. He said: ‘I’ve heard rumours that Vitor Roque is actually going to Spain, I’m not sure how true that is however. Both of them are really good players and it is part of the Brazilian culture to produce great players for top European teams. Vitor Roque is doing really well at Athletico Paranaense and Endrick is another promising player.
‘Arsenal are very aware that there will be lots of young talent coming out of Brazil, but it’s just there is always big competition to sign these types of players – especially when they hear about Barcelona or Real Madrid being interested in signing them. However, I think this is starting to change because there are a lot of Brazilian players now in the Premier League, they are recognising this is the best league in the world. There has definitely been a shift because there were far more Brazilian players in other European leagues instead, but they are now playing more frequently for Premier League clubs.’