Arsenal and Manchester United are both keeping tabs on Wesley Franca, with the Roma defender emerging as one of the most interesting defensive options ahead of the upcoming transfer windows.
The 23-year-old has improved rapidly since his move to Serie A and is currently valued at €60m (£52m), almost double the package Roma paid to sign him from Flamengo in 2025.
Newcastle United are also in the running, but Arsenal and United have the most obvious reasons to chase him.
Arsenal and Man United join the race for €60m Wesley
According to Sport Witness, Arsenal have joined Manchester United and Newcastle in their pursuit of Wesley following his impressive promotion in Roma.
The Brazilian initially made his name as a right-back but has also impressed on the left under Gian Piero Gasperini, giving interested clubs an unusually versatile option.
Given Manchester United’s need for greater quality and reliability in defence, their interest makes clear sense.
Meanwhile, Arsenal always attract defenders who can move in multiple positions and carry the ball comfortably into advanced areas.
Roma’s price has reportedly risen to around €60m, meaning none of the interested clubs will be able to buy him on the cheap.
Wesley could fit into either club very differently
The biggest question is how his qualities translate tactically.
For United, Wesley could provide the athleticism and attacking threat that wide defensive positions often lack. His pace, power and ability to handle past opponents would immediately add something different.
Arsenal’s interest is perhaps more interesting. Mikel Arteta is increasingly asking his full-backs to play more than one role in the same match, and Wesley’s ability to operate on either flank could make him a natural fit.
Recent reports from TEAMtalk, published by The Hard Tackle, also suggest Arsenal are continuing to track Wesley this season rather than let their interest wane.
The concern for both clubs is that Wesley was at his best as a wing-back, where he was more free to attack.
At €60m, Arsenal and United will need to be sure he can fit into a more traditional back-four role.
Still, his age, international experience and versatility make him the type of top-flight elite player that Premier League clubs are inclined to pursue.
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