Manchester City are keen on recruiting Flamengo right-back Wesley but they will have to see off competition from four other teams to secure his signature, according to reports in Brazil.
The Paparazzo Rubo-Negro YouTube channel (quotes translated by Sport Witness) say that the 21-year-old has been targeted at the behest of manager Pep Guardiola:
“The City Group wants to sign right-back Wesley, Manchester City, at Guardiola’s request, is interested in signing Wesley.”
Most Read on Man City News
However, they also emphasised that the Cityzens are not the only European side keen on purchasing Wesley:
“There are other clubs interested in signing the right back, Wesley, an absolute starter under Felipe Luiz. In addition to Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona are monitoring the situation.”
How much do Flamengo want for the City transfer target?
It is believed that the defender’s club were initially hoping to get around €35m (£30m) but the interest in the player means that they are now expecting a club to pay €40m (£34m).
With City seeking a replacement for Kyle Walker, that valuation is unlikely to put them off from making an approach.
Wesley is not the only option being considered
It is believed that Newcastle’s Tino Livramento and Juventus pair Nicolo Savona and Andrea Cambiaso are also on the Manchester club’s radar.
Reports in France have even suggested that City have agreed personal terms with Savona ahead of a switch to the Etihad, although the Italian is not thought to be the number one target.
At this moment in time, Wesley is classed as the top priority. However, getting a deal over the line will depend on finding an agreement with Flamengo, as well as ensuring they are not beaten to the punch by one of their rivals.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here