Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow in their attempts to sign Brazilian forward Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense.

Gunner’s Sporting Director Edu had tried to use his connections in South America to make an approach to sign the promising 18-year-old, who helped the Brazil U20 side win the South American Championships in January.

Roque, who was once dubbed ‘the new Luis Suarez’ for his lethal finishing around the box, was crowned the joint top scorer at the tournament alongside Chelsea’s Andrey Santos after bagging six goals.

But it seems, in a big blow for Arsenal, that he may be looking to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, and world superstar, Neymar Jr, after revealing that it is his ‘dream’ to play for Barcelona.

In an interview with Spanish news outlet Sport, the Athletico forward was asked if Barcelona was his destination of choice, and said: ‘Yes, it’s a dream not only for me, but also for any player who comes along.

‘If I end up going to Barca, it will be a great joy for my family and for me.

‘That’s why I have to keep working hard and hope that everything comes together in time.’

Arsenal are no strangers to bringing in Brazilian talents, with Gabriel Jesus being the latest in a line of players from the South American country to join the club.

That list includes some big names including Gabriel Martinelli, David Luiz and even Edu himself.

Roque, meanwhile, has only played one game for his club side this season having been out on international duty, but could now be set to link up with Xavi’s side in LaLiga in a big blow for the London side.

His pathway could mirror the footsteps of his compatriot Neymar, who joined Barcelona from Brazilian outfit Santos when he was 21-years-old for £71m.

And Roque, who scored five goals in 29 appearances in the Brazilian first tier last season, won’t come cheap either, with TalkSport reporting that any club interested in signing him will need to meet his £53m buy-out clause to release him from his contract that is set to expire in 2027.

When asked whether he was ready to move to the Nou Camp, the forward said: ‘Yes of course. I work for this.

‘The competitions I played last year, the [Copa] Libertadores and the Brasileirao, will help me to be well prepared when I go to Europe.

‘I am very happy to be 18 years old, which now allows me to play abroad.

‘My goal is to continue working with humility, because with faith in God everything will turn out well.

‘I try to stay focused on the day-to-day and give my best at Athletico. I’m sure that if I do well here, going to Europe will be a consequence.’