Gilberto Silva notes over future of Arsenal transfer target Vitor Roque

Vitor Roque, a transfer target for Arsenal, is not necessarily going to Spain, according to Gilberto Silva.

One of South America’s most promising young players, the 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense midfielder has been firmly on the radar of Europe’s top clubs for more than a year.

Roque and Endrick, a target for Manchester United, are reportedly close to signing contracts with Barcelona and Real Madrid, despite the fact that Arsenal’s sporting director Edu, a former colleague of Gilberto’s, has a proven track record of recruiting elite Brazilian talent to the Emirates.

Gilberto, the agent for United midfielder Fred, thinks Roque might still be persuaded to join the north London team by his former team.

‘I’ve heard rumours that Vitor Roque is actually going to Spain,’ he told casinosite. ‘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.

‘But 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.’