Everton’s hopes of signing AS Roma right-back Wesley França are fading following the club’s likely failure to secure European football, with Arsenal and Liverpool now positioned to hijack the move. According to reports from TeamTalk, the 22-year-old Brazilian international is valued at over €60 million (£52 million) by the Italian club after a breakout Serie A campaign. While The Friedkin Group, owners of both Roma and Everton, were previously open to facilitating a transfer within their multi-club network, Wesley’s valuation and desire for continental competition have shifted the race toward the Premier League’s elite.
Everton's squad needs versus European reality
Everton’s interest in Wesley was strategically designed to address a critical succession plan at right-back. With Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young both in the twilight of their careers, the Merseyside club identified the former Flamengo defender as a long-term solution. However, a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on 10 May has left Everton adrift of the European places, making a deal for a player of Wesley’s current standing increasingly difficult. Having joined Roma only last summer for €30 million (£26 million), his value has effectively doubled following 37 appearances and seven goal contributions this season. The financial disparity between a mid-table Everton side and Roma’s £52 million asking price suggests the multi-club link is no longer sufficient to bridge the gap without the revenue and prestige of European qualification.
Arsenal and Liverpool track Brazilian international
Arsenal have maintained a strong interest in Wesley since March 2026, viewing him as a high-calibre alternative or successor to Ben White. Mikel Arteta’s tactical preference for flexible defenders aligns with Wesley’s experience as both a traditional full-back and a wing-back. Simultaneously, Liverpool are monitoring the six-cap international as they consider long-term contingency plans for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Wesley’s trajectory has been steep; after a move to Atalanta collapsed in 2024, he has quickly adapted to European football. Former manager Filipe Luís, speaking via FootballFancast, described the defender as "exceptional," noting there is "no ceiling" for his development. With AS Roma prepared to hold out for a significant profit, the defender is expected to dictate his destination in the June window, likely favouring a side capable of offering Champions League football.
The race for Wesley is expected to accelerate in the coming weeks as Arsenal and Liverpool evaluate their defensive budgets ahead of the summer deadline.