Arsenal step up Franca interest - Sunday's gossip

Arsenal have accelerated their search for a new right-back and identified Roma’s 22-year-old Brazilian Wesley Franca as a leading candidate, according to Teamtalk. The Gunners’ renewed interest comes as manager Mikel Arteta weighs defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer window.

Franca, who has caught the eye with energetic displays in Serie A, is now firmly on the north London club’s radar after scouts filed positive reports on the former Flamengo youngster. Arsenal’s pursuit is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with the club mindful that competition for the player’s signature could rise if his form continues to improve.

The potential move for Franca is set against a backdrop of financial prudence at the Emirates. The Telegraph notes that very few first-team stars are considered untouchable, and the club may need to sanction sales to fund incoming transfers. That reality has placed added emphasis on securing value in the market, making Franca’s relatively modest valuation an attractive proposition.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have stolen a march on Chelsea in the battle for Real Madrid’s 23-year-old midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Caught Offside reports that Liverpool officials have already held two rounds of discussions with the French international’s representatives, positioning the Merseysiders at the front of the queue should Madrid decide to cash in on the former Rennes prodigy.

At Barcelona, uncertainty surrounds England striker Marcus Rashford. The 28-year-old is on a season-long loan from Manchester United, and the Catalan club hold an option to make the switch permanent for £26 million. When pressed on Rashford’s future, Barça boss Hansi Flick admitted he “does not know what will happen”, leaving the door open for a possible return to Old Trafford or a fresh destination altogether.

Barcelona’s Raphinha, however, has sought to end speculation over his own position by committing to remain at the Nou Camp through the 2026-27 campaign, despite lucrative overtures from Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old Brazilian winger stressed his desire to see out his current deal, handing the club stability on the flank.

Newcastle United can also breathe easier over Bruno Guimaraes. The 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder is described as “totally committed” to the Magpies, and while fresh contract talks loom, Guimaraes is not expected to push for parity with the club’s top earners, easing negotiations for sporting director Paul Mitchell.

Fulham’s pursuit of PSV and United States striker Ricardo Pepi has hit the buffers. The 23-year-old completed a medical, but Fabrizio Romano indicates that the west London club have temporarily shelved the deal, leaving the forward in limbo.

Despite Chelsea’s on-field struggles, Mail+ reports that none of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad have submitted transfer requests, suggesting a collective desire to fight for redemption under the current project.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have no intention of entertaining offers for Erling Haaland. Although Barcelona and Real Madrid are monitoring the Norway striker, Football Insider stresses that the Premier League champions view the 25-year-old as central to their long-term ambitions.

Juventus are weighing up a move for Real Madrid’s 33-year-old German defender Antonio Rudiger, whose contract expires in the summer, according to Tuttosport. A potential free transfer could bolster the Bianconeri’s back line ahead of next season.

Atletico Madrid have tabled a £30 million bid plus £4 million in add-ons for Atalanta’s 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder Ederson as Diego Simeone looks to refresh his engine room, Football Italia reveals.