Manchester City overtake Tottenham and Newcastle United in race for Serie A defender | OneFootball

Manchester City are leading the race for Roma right-back Wesley Franca after making direct contact to explore a January deal, as per several reports.

City’s recruitment planning has rarely been reactive but this winter window is unfolding against the backdrop of genuine defensive pressure. Injuries, workload management and positional reshuffling have forced Pep Guardiola to rely on solutions that were never meant to be long-term fixes, particularly in the full-back areas.

The 2025-26 campaign has remained competitive on all fronts, yet the absence of continuity at the back has been notable. Central midfielders filling in at right-back and centre-halves covering wide roles have underlined the need for a more orthodox option, especially one comfortable operating high and wide in possession-heavy systems.

That context explains why City’s scouting department has been active rather than speculative. Rather than chasing headline names, the club has prioritised players who fit Guardiola’s structural demands: tactical discipline, recovery pace and the ability to play under pressure in advanced zones.

It is also consistent with City’s recent market behaviour. They have shown a willingness to move early for profiles they trust, particularly when the wider market offers limited alternatives. The current shortage of reliable, elite-level right-backs has only sharpened that focus.

Against that backdrop, attention has returned to a player City have been tracking for several months. The English press had already reported Manchester City’s interest in Wesley, but Brazilian outlets have now clarified where the situation truly stands.

As reported by Globo Esporte and relayed by Sport Witness, City have made direct contact to assess the conditions of a possible deal during this window, placing them ahead of both Tottenham and Newcastle United, who are said to be monitoring rather than acting.

Crucially, this is not a sudden development. City followed Wesley closely during his time at Flamengo and maintained internal interest last summer. At that point, they opted against formalising an offer, a decision that allowed AS Roma to secure his signature for €25 million, plus up to €5 million in add-ons.

Presently, City believe that the initial assessment has been validated. Wesley has adapted swiftly to Serie A, starting 19 of his 21 appearances and scoring three goals. Inside the club, there is a sense that he now represents a lower-risk option than many alternatives on the market.

Another factor working in Wesley’s favour is his international standing. He has featured in every Brazil squad since Carlo Ancelotti took charge, a detail City regard as confirmation of consistency rather than hype. For Guardiola and his staff, that continuity matters.

Roma, however, are reluctant sellers. No asking price has been set, and the Italian club are not actively looking to negotiate before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Still, City’s willingness to engage directly has positioned them closest at this stage.

Speculation intensified on Friday when Wesley was left out of Roma’s squad to face Sassuolo. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the situation in his press conference, offering a clear explanation.

“We will have to do without several players. Wesley did not train today either. We will assess him in the next few hours, because he is dealing with a rather strong flu,” Gasperini said, as reported by the Corriere dello Sport and relayed by Sport Witness.

On the surface, the explanation is straightforward. Yet, the timing has inevitably raised eyebrows. With Manchester City having already made contact, even routine absences are now being viewed through a transfer lens.

Officially, Roma insist the matter is purely medical. Unofficially, City will be watching closely. When direct contact has already been established, small developments carry greater significance as the window progresses.

For now, City remain the most advanced suitors for Wesley, ahead of Tottenham and Newcastle. Whether that interest turns into a formal move may depend less on intent and more on Roma’s willingness to engage before the deadline.