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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Arsenal boost as Brazil wonderkid Vitor Roque quashes claim he’s already signed for Barcelona

Brazilian prodigy Vitor Roque has insisted he is yet to choose his next club despite reports linking him with a move to Barcelona or Arsenal.

The LaLiga giants are said to be leading the race to land the 18-year-old forward, who is a breakout star at Athletico Paranense and recently helped his country win the South American Under-20 Championship.

But Roque has spoken of his desire to focus on performing in Curitiba before contemplating a summer move, which could cost his full £53million release clause.

“I try to focus more on the present than on the future, because today is more important than tomorrow,” he told AS.

“My destiny is in the hands of God, so I continue working with humility. My future will be a result of today's work. I try not to focus on what happens off the pitch.

“I don't have a preferred club, so I let it be.

“I think that the present with the Paranaense is more important right now for me.”

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have also been tipped to sign Roque and the youngster gave short shrift to a question about possibly linking up with Brazil winger Raphinha at Barcelona.

“I don't know, because I don't play for Barcelona yet,” he said.

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