Arsenal Transfer News: Arsenal are speeding up their chase of AS Roma right-back Wesley França. The club are now finalising defensive plans for the summer 2026 transfer window. TEAMtalk reports that the Gunners’ recruitment team has placed the 22-year-old Brazilian at the top of their shortlist. This move carries more significance now because Ben White faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium. White has struggled for minutes this season. Mikel Arteta prefers Jurrien Timber as his primary right-back. Consequently, Arsenal will let White go if they receive a good offer this summer. White’s contract runs until June 2028. This makes the summer of 2026 a final chance for Arsenal to bank a big fee.
Arsenal Transfer News: Arsenal Eye Roma’s Wesley França as Ben White Future Hangs in the Balance
Wesley started his journey with Brazilian giants Flamengo. He made 136 appearances there before a €25 million move to Roma last summer. The youngster quickly became a vital part of the Italian side. He has started 30 of his 35 games this season. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini uses him as both a right and left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 system. Across the 2025/26 Serie A campaign, he has four goals from 2,117 minutes of play. He currently holds a 7.14 average FotMob rating. Arsenal are looking at other options too. Valentino Livramento and Nnamdi Collins remain on the shortlist. However, Roma want €50 million for the defender. That price is double what they paid Flamengo just months ago.
Will Arsenal Actually Sign Wesley França, or Does This Transfer Have a Fatal Catch?
The real question is not just about Arsenal’s interest. We must ask if this deal actually works for the Gunners right now. The answer is more complex than the headlines suggest.
Wesley has already earned five caps for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti. This inevitably intensifies the race for his signature. His talent is clear for all to see. He possesses explosive pace and physical power. Wesley’s attacking threat suits a modern full-back role perfectly. Even Roma legend Cafu compares Wesley to himself. However, scouts still worry about his final ball. His crosses often float away or miss his teammates entirely, and this weakness matters at Arsenal. Arteta demands precision and results from wide areas to suit his specific playing style.
Reputed journalist drops verdict on Manchester United’s interest in £70m star
Furthermore, Wesley currently plays as a wing-back in a back three, and this system gives him more freedom than a Premier League back four allows. Moving into Arteta’s disciplined structure creates new challenges for him. Manchester City are reportedly prepping a €50 million bid, and other top clubs are also in the race. Arsenal face a massive fight just to start negotiations. Roma also feel no pressure to sell. Wesley is under contract until 2030.
My honest take is that Wesley is an exciting talent. However, Arsenal might lose this race. The high fee and interest from City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona stack the odds against the Gunners. They must act fast. Transfermarkt values him at €35 million, but Roma want much more. That price will only rise if he plays for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. I expect Arsenal to try hard but eventually pivot to a more realistic target. Ben White will almost certainly leave this summer. Yet, Wesley França’s next move likely involves a level of Champions League prestige that Arsenal cannot yet lock in, and that’s what this Arsenal transfer news is all about.
