West Ham United transfer news as Arsenal and Chelsea more advanced in race to sign Vitor Roque
West Ham United have looked into a potential deal to sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque this summer, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
The 18-year-old has swiftly emerged on the scene in Brazil and amongst top clubs in Europe for his scintillating performances for Athletico Paranaense in the last two campaigns and also helped Brazil U20s win the South American championship by bagging six goals in eight appearances.
And according to Bailey, writing for TEAMTalk [11 April] the Hammers who are long-time suitors for Roque have looked into a potential deal for the forward along with Manchester United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa.
However, the interests of PL giants Arsenal and Chelsea are the most advanced.
“Lots of Premier League sides have looked into a potential deal, including Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham. But Arsenal and Chelsea’s interest is far more advanced.
“Arsenal and Chelsea have both been in contact with Roque’s camp. The two London clubs are pushing hard to sign him as they know the opportunity to agree a transfer for €40m (£35.1m) is one that is simply too good to turn down”, Bailey reveals.
Unlikely
With so many top teams coming into the fold for the highly-rated Brazilian such as West Ham United’s capital neighbours Arsenal and Chelsea and Manchester United, it will be a tough ask for West Ham to pull off this exciting signing.
The 18-year-old is ready to make a move from South America to Europe however and has already been involved with the Brazil senior team setup having been called up to the squad to face Morrocco last month.
West Ham could even use Lucas Paqueta as a cheeky agent in this one to lure Roque to the glitz and glamour of London, something the Brazilian chose to do last summer.
The Hammers will be hoping an out-of-the-blue move can be pulled off for Roque’s signature but fans won’t be holding their breath too much over this one, considering the quality of clubs interested who are arguably in a better position to provide Roque with the conditions he may potentially crave.
At this point in time, a transfer for the extremely gifted 18-year-old looks increasingly unlikely.