Arsenal Joined Race for Defender Wesley Franca
The club entered the hunt for the AS Roma wing-back to provide depth at the right-back position.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Soccer
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Arsenal has entered the competition to sign AS Roma wing-back Wesley Franca. The London club is looking to add the Brazilian international to address injuries to Jurrien Timber and Ben White.
Why it matters
Arsenal requires increased reliability and defensive depth at the right-back position to sustain their campaign. The club now competes against Manchester United and Newcastle United for the player.
Wesley Franca is a 23-year-old Brazilian international currently valued at approximately £50 million. Roma previously acquired him in 2025 for an initial transfer fee of roughly £26 million.
The players
Wesley Franca
He is a 23-year-old Brazilian professional footballer currently playing as a wing-back for AS Roma.
Arsenal
This is a professional football club based at the Emirates Stadium in London that competes in the Premier League.
AS Roma
This is a prominent professional football club based in Rome that competes in the Italian Serie A.
Manchester United
This is a major English football club based in Manchester that is also pursuing the signature of Wesley Franca.
Newcastle United
This is a professional football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne that has joined the pursuit of the Brazilian defender.
The details
Arsenal has turned its attention to Franca following physical setbacks for established defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben White. Roma currently maintains a strong negotiating stance as interest grows from multiple Premier League sides.
Timeline
Roma signed Wesley Franca in 2025.
Chelsea unsuccessfully attempted to sign the player in 2025.
Arsenal officially entered the transfer race in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
The move for Franca reflects the broader arms race among Premier League clubs to solidify defensive depth mid-season. Securing a versatile wing-back is critical for teams looking to manage injury cycles and maintain a competitive advantage in the race for the top four.
The potential acquisition aims to provide immediate cover for injured defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben White. Arsenal must navigate competing interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United to finalize the transfer.
The takeaway
Franca represents a significant investment that highlights the growing demand for elite, young wing-backs in modern European football. Clubs seeking to address defensive gaps must now contend with escalating valuations fueled by intense Premier League competition.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Mole.
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