Arsenal go into Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg with a huge 7-1 advantage after the first match.
Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to a comprehensive victory against their Dutch opponents in Eindhoven last week, and the Gunners therefore look almost certain to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.
The North London outfit have endured a difficult few weeks domestically, falling 15 points behind rivals Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.
Arsenal and Liverpool Set to Battle for Brazilian Defender
Now, it appears that the two Premier League giants are set to battle it out off the pitch for the signing of a promising Brazilian defender. According to TBR Football, both Liverpool and Arsenal are showing significant interest in Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca, who at just 21 years old has already made a strong impression.
The report suggests that the Brazilian top-flight side is open to selling the talented defender in the near future, which has caught the attention of both clubs. Wesley, a product of Flamengo’s renowned youth academy, has accumulated an impressive 115 appearances for the club across all competitions, demonstrating his durability and consistency.
Interest in the Brazilian defender extends beyond just Arsenal and Liverpool. Several Premier League clubs have been monitoring his progress:
- Chelsea – Scouting the player in recent weeks
- Wolverhampton Wanderers – Showing interest in the defender
- Nottingham Forest – Sent scouts to watch the Brazilian
- Fulham – Monitoring his development closely
- Aston Villa – Previously held talks during January transfer window
Transfer Motivations Behind Premier League Interest
Liverpool’s interest appears particularly strategic as the club contemplates a future without star right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English international is reportedly considering a move to Real Madrid as a free agent this summer, leaving a potential vacancy in Liverpool’s defense that Wesley could fill.
For Arsenal, strengthening their defensive options remains a priority as they continue building a squad capable of challenging for multiple trophies. Despite their impressive Champions League form, their domestic struggles highlight the need for squad reinforcement.
Wesley’s contract situation adds another dimension to this potential transfer saga. The defender remains under contract with Flamengo until December 2028, giving the Brazilian club significant negotiating power. However, the report indicates that Wesley himself is open to the prospect of joining a European club, potentially facilitating a move.
The characteristics that make Wesley attractive to Premier League clubs include:
- Technical ability typical of Brazilian defenders
- Defensive solidity and positional awareness
- Experience despite his young age (115 appearances)
- Potential for development in a more competitive league
- Versatility in defensive positions
As the summer transfer window approaches, this developing story represents another example of Premier League clubs looking to South America for emerging talent. With both Arsenal and Liverpool potentially set to strengthen their defensive options, Wesley Franca could become one of the most sought-after right-backs in the upcoming transfer market.
Want to stay updated on the latest transfer news concerning Wesley Franca and other potential Premier League signings? Subscribe to our newsletter today for exclusive insights and breaking developments as the summer transfer window approaches!