Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring Roma right-back Wesley as a priority summer target following the 21-year-old’s impressive debut season in Serie A. According to reports from Calciomercato, the Brazilian defender is now valued at over €60m (£52m), a figure that represents a 100% increase on the £26m fee Roma paid to Flamengo just one year ago. Having registered five goals and two assists across 37 appearances this term, Wesley’s profile has risen rapidly, positioning him as a central figure in the upcoming transfer window for several Premier League heavyweights.
Strategic Fit for Arsenal and Tottenham
For Arsenal, interest in Wesley coincides with Mikel Arteta’s continued efforts to bolster defensive depth and tactical flexibility. While Ben White has been a mainstay at right-back, recording over 3,000 minutes in back-to-back Premier League campaigns, the integration of Jurrien Timber and the potential pursuit of Wesley suggest a shift toward a more versatile, high-energy backline. Tottenham’s interest, meanwhile, stems from Ange Postecoglou’s demand for aggressive, inverted full-backs. With Pedro Porro currently lacking a direct rotational competitor who matches his offensive output, Wesley’s five-goal haul in Italy serves as a significant indicator of his suitability for the Spurs system. The North London rivals appear set to compete for a player whose 136 senior appearances in Brazil provided the foundation for an immediate impact in Europe.
Market Dependencies and Financial Context
Despite the strong interest from North London, Wesley’s movement may hinge on a wider defensive carousel. Reports from OneFootball suggest Arsenal’s pursuit could be influenced by Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento, who remains a person of interest for Manchester City and Chelsea. If Livramento moves for a premium fee, it could set the market floor for young full-backs, further justifying Roma’s £52m valuation. Calciomercato described Wesley's first year in Italy as "nothing short of astonishing," noting that Roma may consider a sale primarily to fund their own attacking reinforcements. Given that Wesley’s current contract situates him as a long-term asset, Roma are under no immediate pressure to sell unless their valuation is met in full. The race for his signature is expected to accelerate once the domestic seasons conclude and clubs finalise their primary targets.