TBR Football understands that Flamengo are ready to sell their highly-rated right-back Wesley Franca this summer with a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, showing an interest.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the best attacking full-backs in South America and he now has several major clubs hoping to bring him to Europe.
Wesley has been a regular in the side for Flamengo since 2023 and already has over 100 appearances under his belt for the Brazilian club.
TBR Football understands that his performances have brought him to the attention of a host of clubs in Europe – but nowhere is the interest stronger than the Premier League.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea have all been following Wesley Franca
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Wolves are amongst the clubs that have watched Wesley Franca in action over recent months, sources have told Graeme Bailey – chief correspondent at TBR Football.
Meanwhile, TBR Football has learned that Aston Villa held talks in January for the Brazilian, but nothing materialised further.
Intermediaries have made Wesley aware of the interest from Europe and the defender is believed to be open to the prospect.
Liverpool are on the hunt for potential replacements for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is linked with a move to Real Madrid.
The Gunners could move for a right-back as they seek a more attacking alternative to Jurien Timber and Benjamin White.
Wesley Franca expected to cost around £25m
Tim Vickery has raved about Wesley, describing him as being a “very attacking full-back” who’s “bullet fast”, however, he’s “not the greatest defensive full-back”.
The South American football pundit added that the 21-year-old’s valuation in the summer is expected to be around £25 million.
Vickery told Sky Sports News: “If the idea is around €20m (£16.7m) at the moment, it could be €30m (£25m) after the Club World Cup. He’s a very attacking full-back, very quick, bullet fast, but he’s not the greatest defensive full-back.
“Because of the Club World Cup, unless Villa really want to break the bank, I think they’re going to have to wait a few months.”
