Manchester City overtake Tottenham in chase for Brazilian left-back.
Manchester City have made direct contact to explore a January deal for Roma right-back, placing them ahead of Tottenham and Newcastle in the race for the Brazilian defender, according to City Xtra.
City’s interest in Wesley Franca is not sudden. They tracked Wesley closely during his time at Flamengo and maintained internal interest last summer before allowing Roma to secure his signature. The Premier League champions now believe their initial assessment has been validated after Wesley’s swift adaptation to Serie A.
Wesley has adapted swiftly to Italian football, making 22 appearances and scoring 3 goals this season. Inside the Etihad, there is a sense that he now represents a lower-risk option than many alternatives on the market.
Tottenham linked with Wesley Franca
Tottenham linked with Wesley Franca
Another factor working in Wesley’s favor is his international standing. The 21-year-old has featured in every Brazil squad since Carlo Ancelotti took charge, a detail City regard as confirmation of consistency rather than hype.
Roma reluctant to sell mid-season
Roma are reluctant sellers with no asking price set. The Italian club are not actively looking to negotiate before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making any January deal difficult to complete. However, City’s willingness to engage directly has positioned them closest at this stage.
For Tottenham, City’s direct contact represents a significant setback in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements. Thomas Frank desperately needs full-back options, with the club having offered £8.7million for a Brazilian left-back that was rejected earlier this month.
🚨 Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle are all showing interest in Roma right-back Wesley França.
The Premier League trio had tracked the 22-year-old before his move from Flamengo and have been impressed by his Serie A performances. pic.twitter.com/5c6qtLrQgP
— Flamengo Regatta Club! 🌎 (@Apmax2011) January 8, 2026
However, Tottenham’s current position makes them an unattractive destination compared to Manchester City. Sitting 14th in the Premier League with just 27 points from 21 matches and seven points above the relegation zone, Wesley would naturally prefer joining the Premier League champions who can offer Champions League football and genuine trophy prospects.
Newcastle also remain interested but are monitoring rather than acting, placing them behind City in the race. The current shortage of reliable, elite-level right-backs has sharpened focus on Wesley as one of few available options who fits the profile required by top clubs.
City have shown willingness to move early for profiles they trust, particularly when the wider market offers limited alternatives. Whether that interest turns into a formal move may depend on Roma’s willingness to engage before the January deadline, but City remain the most advanced suitors at this stage.