Arsenal Eye Roma’s Wesley Franca Right‑Back Move – North London 2026

Key points

• Arsenal are reportedly “remaining attentive” to a potential move for Roma right‑back Wesley França, as they seek to strengthen their right‑sided defensive options, according to TEAMtalk.
• The Gunners currently rely on Jurrien Timber and Ben White at right‑back, but both have been hampered by injuries in recent weeks.
• Ben White sustained a fresh issue in Arsenal’s win over West Ham United, while Timber has been sidelined with a muscular problem, prompting Mikel Arteta to play centre‑back Cristhian Mosquera at right‑back.
• TEAMtalk notes that Arsenal are considering signing a new right‑sided defender and are monitoring Wesley França’s progress, having been impressed by his recent performances.
• Liverpool have also been linked with reinforcing the right‑back position and are said to “appreciate” Wesley’s profile and versatility, TEAMtalk reports.
• Everton and Newcastle United are additionally interested in the Brazilian, but he is understood to prefer a club competing in European competition and is therefore reluctant to join the Toffees or the Magpies this summer.
• Wesley França, 22, moved to Roma from Flamengo in Brazil last summer and still has a contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2030, meaning the Giallorossi are under no pressure to sell him in the current window.
• Transfermarkt value the defender at around £35 million and list him as capable of playing right‑back and right wing‑back, as well as providing cover on the opposite flank.
• In 38 appearances across all competitions this term, França has recorded six goal contributions and helped keep 10 clean sheets, indicating both attacking and defensive output.
• TEAMtalk describe França as attack‑minded but also efficient defensively, technically sound and quick, though still “not a finished article,” making him a potential long‑term investment for a club such as Arsenal.
• It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will move beyond “remaining attentive” to make a concrete offer for him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
• Arsenal are scheduled to face Burnley in the Premier League in their next fixture, following their 1–0 victory over West Ham United.

Arsenal (North London News) May 13, 2026 remain attentive to a potential move for Roma right‑back Wesley França, as they look to address thinning depth in the full‑back positions this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The report, published by TEAMtalk, outlines that the Gunners are considering bringing in a new right‑sided defender and have been impressed by the 22‑year‑old Brazilian’s recent displays for the Italian side.

Why are Arsenal hovering around Wesley França?

TEAMtalk’s coverage explains that Arsenal currently list Jurrien Timber and Ben White as their primary options at right‑back, but both have endured fitness setbacks that have limited their availability.
Ben White picked up a fresh injury during Arsenal’s 1–0 Premier League win against West Ham United last weekend, while Jurrien Timber has been sidelined in recent weeks because of a muscular problem, the outlet notes.

With both regulars unavailable, manager Mikel Arteta has been forced to deploy centre‑back Cristhian Mosquera at right‑back, a move that has exposed the need for specialised cover in that position.
TEAMtalk state that Arsenal are therefore evaluating the market for a new right‑sided defender and are “remaining attentive” to Wesley França, having watched him closely since his move from Flamengo to Roma.

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How does Wesley França fit Arsenal’s profile?

TEAMtalk’s report describes Wesley França as an attack‑minded right‑back who is also comfortable operating as a right wing‑back in a more advanced system.
The outlet adds that he can provide cover on the opposite flank if required, underlining his versatility in wider defensive roles.

The 22‑year‑old is characterised as quick, technically sound and efficient in defensive contributions, with the capacity to support the attack in transition.
According to Transfermarkt, Wesley França has made 38 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing six goal involvements (goals and assists combined) and helping his side keep 10 clean sheets, a record that TEAMtalk cites as evidence of his all‑round impact.

TEAMtalk highlight that França is “not a finished article,” implying there is room for further development, but that he represents a shrewd long‑term acquisition for a club with continental ambitions such as Arsenal.

Transfer valuation and Roma’s stance

TEAMtalk report that Transfermarkt currently value Wesley França at around £35 million, indicating the level of investment a Premier League club would have to consider for his signature.
The Brazilian arrived at the Stadio Olimpico from Flamengo last summer and is under contract with AS Roma until 2030, meaning the Giallorossi are not under immediate financial pressure to sell.

Given his long‑term deal and the club’s broader sporting strategy, Roma are understood to be in little rush to offload him in the current transfer window, even if interest from England grows.

Interest from Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle

The report further notes that interest in Wesley França is not restricted to North London alone.
TEAMtalk write that Liverpool are also planning to strengthen their right‑back position and “appreciate” the Brazilian’s profile and versatility, raising the possibility of a competitive race if his price becomes attainable.

In addition, Everton and Newcastle United are said to be keen on the South American full‑back, though TEAMtalk say that França himself prefers a club involved in European competition.
As a result, the outlet adds, he is reportedly reluctant to join the Toffees or the Magpies this summer, steering his short‑term ambitions towards a side active in continental tournaments.

How active might Arsenal be in the summer window?

TEAMtalk observe that it will be “interesting to see” whether Arsenal progress from monitoring França to making a concrete approach during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report stops short of suggesting an imminent offer, instead framing the situation as one where Arsenal are keeping a close watch on his situation and performance levels.

Away from the transfer speculation, Arsenal are preparing to host Burnley in the Premier League this weekend, following their hard‑fought 1–0 victory over West Ham United.
TEAMtalk note that the result against West Ham kept the Gunners in close contention at the top of the table, which may influence the club’s spending priorities as they look to bolster specific areas, including right‑back, ahead of the next campaign.

Background of the particular development

This current interest in Wesley França by Arsenal stems from the club’s ongoing need to balance attacking intensity with defensive stability at full‑back.
Historically, Arsenal have leaned on full‑backs who can both defend and contribute to the attack, a model that has shaped Arteta’s preference for mobile, technically proficient wide defenders.

Ben White’s move from Brighton & Hove Albion had been intended to provide such balance, but persistent fitness issues have disrupted his availability and prompted Arsenal to scour the market for additional depth.
Jurrien Timber’s arrival from Ajax was similarly designed to give the squad a long‑term, versatile option at right‑back, yet his recent injuries have further exposed the lack of a reliable specialist in that position.

Wesley França’s profile aligns with the type of player many top‑tier European clubs now seek: a modern full‑back capable of filling multiple wide roles, contributing to the build‑up and pressing in high defensive lines.
His background in Brazil’s topflight with Flamengo, followed by a move to Roma, has allowed him to adapt to different tactical structures, a factor that has marked him out to recruiters at clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool.

The fact that he remains under contract until 2030 also places him in a category of players whose valuations are influenced by long‑term potential rather than immediate short‑term returns.
Transfermarkt’s valuation of around £35 million reflects both his current production and the expectation that his performances can improve further with regular top‑level football.

Liverpool’s reported interest demonstrates that rival clubs are also recalibrating their right‑back options, a trend that may push prices higher if multiple Premier League sides enter the race.
Everton and Newcastle’s interest, combined with França’s stated preference for European competition, illustrates the growing difficulty for mid‑table and newly promoted clubs to attract in‑demand South American talent without the lure of continental football.

Prediction: How this development could affect supporters and clubs

If Arsenal move beyond “remaining attentive” to make a formal approach for Wesley França, Premier League supporters could see a reshaping of right‑back dynamics at the Emirates, with long‑term implications for squad depth and tactical flexibility.
For Arsenal fans, the addition of a young, attack‑minded yet defensively sound full‑back could provide greater assurance in wide areas, especially if Ben White continues to battle fitness issues and Jurrien Timber’s workload needs managing.

For competing clubs, particularly Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle, any concrete bid from Arsenal could trigger a re‑evaluation of their own recruitment plans.
Liverpool supporters may have to consider whether their club wishes to allocate a similar budget to a right‑back rather than focusing elsewhere, while Everton and Newcastle fans may be reminded that their clubs’ lack of European competition remains a handicap in attracting certain high‑ceiling profiles.