Gilberto Silva has revealed it is not a forgone conclusion that Arsenal transfer target Vitor Roque is destined for Spain.
The 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense midfielder is currently rated as one of the most exciting talents in South .
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu, a former teammate of Gilberto’s, has a strong track record in luring top Brazilian talent to the Emirates but reports claim Roque, along with target Endrick, are close to agreeing deals with Barcelona and .
Gilberto, agent of Untied midfielder Fred, believes his old club still have a chance of tempting Roque to sign for the north club.
‘I’ve heard rumours that Vitor Roque is actually going to Spain,’ he told . ‘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.’
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