United weigh January move for Roma’s Wesley Franca as rivals circle
Manchester United are considering a January move for 23-year-old Roma full-back Wesley Franca, with the Brazilian reportedly valued at around £50 million and Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested.
The Peoples Person says the latest development comes from Football Insider, which reports that United are monitoring Wesley ahead of the winter window. It is reported interest, not a confirmed bid, while a separate report from Swedish outlet Fotbolltransfers puts Roma’s asking price at around €60 million.
Wesley has featured among United’s reported defensive targets as the club considers its options across the back line.
Why Wesley fits United’s needs
United’s defence is under scrutiny after the side managed one win in its first seven Premier League matches and sat 13th when The Peoples Person published its report. The outlet says the club could seek cover at both full-back positions, with Luke Shaw’s place on the left and Diogo Dalot’s displays on the right part of the wider picture.
Wesley joined Roma from Flamengo in the summer of 2025 and has become a regular for the Serie A side. Naturally right-footed, he can play on either flank, a versatility The Peoples Person identifies as central to United’s interest. He has recorded one assist in eight appearances across competitions this season, starting seven.
| Season profile | Appearances | Starts | Goals / assists |
| Roma, all competitions | 8 | 7 | 0 / 1 |
| Serie A | 6 | 6 | 0 / 1 |
| Champions League | 2 | 2 | 0 / 0 |
The Peoples Person cites Transfermarkt for the figures. Wesley has played 432 minutes in Serie A and 180 in the Champions League, where he has also received one yellow card.
Rivals and the price tag
Arsenal and Newcastle are also pursuing the Brazilian, according to the Football Insider report relayed by The Peoples Person; that account says both clubs are prepared to make a move. Fotbolltransfers separately names United, Arsenal and Newcastle among the Premier League sides interested.
A reported £50 million valuation could make a January deal difficult for United, particularly with Roma holding a regular starter midway through the season. Wesley’s ability to cover both full-back roles gives the link a clear fit with the positions United are reportedly prioritising.
United’s search for full-back reinforcements is part of a broader set of reported options, with Alejandro Balde also linked with the club. For Wesley, the next step would be whether United turn their reported interest into an approach as the January window nears.
