Arsenal will reportedly look to sign 21-year-old Brazilian right-back Wesley Franca from Flamengo in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, Wesley Franca is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are scouring the market for a right-back heading into the summer transfer window. So, the Flamengo prospect has emerged as a target for the North London outfit, with the Brazilian club demanding around €35 million to part ways with the 21-year-old.
Who is Wesley Franca?
Wesley Franca has established himself as one of the best young defensive prospects in his homeland in the last few years. A native of Acailandia, the South American full-back has spent his formative years in Brazil, starting his youth career at Atletico Tubarao before graduating from the academy at Flamengo.
The 21-year-old broke into the first-team squad at Flamengo towards the end of 2021. However, the youngster had to wait until the 2023 season to become a regular for the Rubro-Negro. The player has turned out over 100 times thus far for Flamengo while chipping in with two goals and four assists.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian full-back’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the highly-rated defensive prospect, with Arsenal among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Arsenal’s interest in Wesley Franca is understandable. While Ben White and Jurrien Timber are top-class options for the right-back berth, they are primarily centre-backs. In addition, Timber has played more as a left-back this season. So, Arsenal can do with an out-and-out right-back, with Wesley emerging as a viable target.
The Gunners have already established contact over a possible move in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the highly-rated right-back will not cost a bomb, with Flamengo valuing him at around €35 million to part ways with the young full-back.
It is unclear if Arsenal will be open to coughing up €35 million to secure Wesley’s services in the summer transfer window. However, considering his age profile and potential, Flamengo’s asking price for the 21-year-old Brazilian full-back is reasonable.