Arsenal are now eyeing a move for right-back Wesley Franca, with AS Roma willing to sell the defender in the summer transfer window.
Gunners closing in on Premier League title
The Gunners took a huge step towards winning their first Premier League title in over 20 years on Sunday, defeating West Ham United 1-0 at the London Stadium, albeit in controversial fashion.
Callum Wilson thought he had equalised for the hosts in stoppage time, but the striker's goal was ruled out after a VAR intervention, with Pablo Felipe deemed to have fouled goalkeeper David Raya in the build-up.
Mikel Arteta won't care one jot though, with his side on the brink of winning the Premier League title, and through to the Champions League final, taking on French champions Paris Saint-Germain on May 30th.
The Ligue 1 side have defeated Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the knock-out stages of the competition, and they are the reigning champions, whereas the north Londoners are hoping to lift the trophy for the first time, having last reached the final in 2006.
Arsenal in strong position to win race for Wesley
Whatever happens in Budapest, Arsenal will be playing Champions League football again next season, which gives them a huge advantage over rival suitors Newcastle United and Everton in the race for Wesley's signature, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
Wesley's Serie A season
2,387 minutes played
5 goals
1 assist
53 tackles
114 recoveries
61 clearances
10 clearances
Roma are prepared to cash-in on the 22-year-old this summer, but he is keen on a move to a top club, and it is looking increasingly unlikely Everton and Newcastle are going to be playing European football of any description next season.
Wesley Franca in action for Roma
There is a 'huge possibility' the right-back moves to the Premier League in the upcoming window, with the Gunners exploring a deal for a player who won eight trophies during a stint with Brazilian side CR Flamengo.
Former Flamengo manager Filipe Luis hailed the full-back, saying: "He’s the kind of player who will decide where he wants to play come June. There’s no ceiling for this kid; he’s exceptional."
Wesley has also started to make a name for himself at international level, amassing six caps for Brazil, with four of those coming this season.
The Roma star is capable of playing on both sides of the midfield, and at right-back, which is a position Arteta may need to strengthen, with Ben White attracting interest from Manchester United, having re-emerged as a regular starter.
However, Arsenal are also targeting a different Serie A star as a replacement for the Englishman.
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His club are open to a sale.