Manchester City reportedly wanted to sign 21-year-old Brazilian full-back Wesley Franca from Flamengo in the summer transfer window.
According to an update by French journalist Sebastien Vidal, Wesley Franca is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a right-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 21-year-old Flamengo full-back has emerged as a target for the Premier League club.
Pep Guardiola was the driving force behind Manchester City’s move for the highly-rated full-back in the summer transfer window. However, Manchester City will miss out on the youngster, as he is closing in on joining Serie A club AS Roma in a deal worth €25 million.
Wesley Franca and his career so far
Wesley Franca is the latest prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland in the last few years. A native of Acailandia, the South American full-back spent his formative years in Brazil, starting his youth career at Atletico Tubarao before graduating from the fabled academy at Flamengo.
The 21-year-old broke into the first-team squad at Flamengo towards the end of 2021. However, the Brazilian had to wait until the 2023 season to become a regular for the Rubro-Negro. He has turned out over 100 times thus far for Flamengo while chipping in with two goals and four assists. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Manchester City and AS Roma.
A man in demand
Manchester City’s interest in Wesley Franca is understandable. The Premier League bigwigs are scouring the market for a right-back this summer after Kyle Walker joined Burnley. In addition, Rico Lewis has yet to prove his credentials to be the undisputed first-choice right-back. So, Wesley was a viable target for Manchester City.
However, Manchester City will lose the battle for his signature, with AS Roma closing in on signing him from Flamengo in the summer transfer window. While Gian Piero Gasperini has several right-backs in his squad, the Serie A giants want another option for the spot. So, Wesley is an option worth considering.
The 21-year-old Brazilian whizkid will likely join AS Roma in a deal worth €25 million, forcing Manchester City to look elsewhere for a new right-back. Recent reports have linked the Citizens with Jules Kounde, with other candidates also on their wishlist.
