Arsenal Step Up Pursuit of Roma Star Wesley França as Ben White Exit Looms

London – Arsenal have accelerated their chase for Roma’s in-form Brazilian right-back Wesley França, viewing the 22-year-old as the long-term successor to Ben White, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

França, signed from Flamengo last summer, has caught the eye of Gunners scouts with a four-goal return and a string of dynamic displays that underline both his defensive reliability and willingness to surge forward. Technical staff have been particularly impressed by the defender’s athleticism and tactical diligence, qualities Mikel Arteta’s setup prizes in full-backs who invert into midfield during build-up play.

The north-London club are now formalising background checks and initial contact with Roma representatives, signalling serious intent ahead of the summer window. Everton have also registered interest, but Arsenal’s recent track record of qualifying for the Champions League and their reputation for developing young talents give them an edge in any forthcoming negotiations.

White, 26, is understood to have been granted permission to listen to offers should an attractive bid materialise. The England international has been a consistent presence since arriving from Brighton, yet the club hierarchy believe a refresh is required to sustain a title challenge and França’s profile fits the evolution Arteta envisions.

Arsenal’s recruitment team are not putting every egg in one basket. Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, Eintracht Frankfurt’s commanding centre-back Nnamdi Collins and Monaco’s attack-minded right-back Vanderson remain live options as the club weigh cost, home-grown status and stylistic fit before committing to a final target.

The potential overhaul does not stop at right-back. The Daily Telegraph notes that multiple squad members could be made available as Arteta and sporting director Edu look to fine-tune a group that believes it can go one better than last season’s near-miss in the Premier League title race.

With European competitions expanding fixture lists and the physical demands of English football ever rising, Arsenal’s willingness to invest early in a high-upside defender like França illustrates their determination to stay ahead of rivals Manchester City and Liverpool in the transfer market arms race.

Whether a deal crosses the line will depend on Roma’s valuation, thought to be upwards of £30 million given the player’s age, contract length and burgeoning reputation, plus any counter-moves from Everton or unforeseen twists as the window approaches.

For now, though, the spotlight is firmly on Wesley França – the Brazilian full-back who could soon be patrolling the Emirates touchline rather than the Stadio Olimpico turf.