According to a report by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Wesley Franca is the subject of interest from Manchester City. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on signing the AS Roma right-back this year. However, the Citizens have initiated their move by establishing contact to “find out the conditions” for sealing a deal.
Wesley Franca has established himself as one of the best full-backs in Serie A since joining AS Roma from Flamengo this past summer. A native of Acailandia, the South American full-back spent his formative years in Brazil, starting his youth career at Atletico Tubarao before graduating from the fabled academy at Flamengo.
The 22-year-old rose in prominence during his spell with Flamengo before AS Roma won the battle for his signature by sealing a deal worth €25 million. The Brazilian has been exceptional this season, scoring three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A giants. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
It is unclear why Wesley is a target for Tottenham Hotspur. Thomas Frank has two top-notch right-backs in his squad, with Djed Spence and Pedro Porro being reliable performers for the North London club. However, Wesley’s ability to play as a left-back may have attracted him to Tottenham.
Manchester City wanted to sign Wesley Franca in the summer transfer window before AS Roma won the battle for his signature. The continued interest makes sense, as Rico Lewis has yet to prove his credentials to be the undisputed first-choice right-back. So, Pep Guardiola has used Matheus Nunes, a midfielder, as his primary right-back. Wesley has thus emerged as a viable target for Manchester City.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies also have two top-notch right-backs in their first-team squad. However, Kieran Trippier is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, Wesley can join Newcastle United as an alternative to Valentino Livramento. However, Newcastle United and Tottenham have fallen behind Manchester City in the race to sign him.
The Citizens have established contact to “find out the conditions” for sealing a deal for the AS Roma full-back. While a January switch will not materialise, Manchester City’s move will enable them to inch closer to a summer move for the 22-year-old Brazilian international.
