Manchester City Eyeing €25m Roma Star As January Deal Deemed ‘Possible’
The Roma star is in demand!
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 07 January 2026
Manchester City are monitoring Roma wing-back Wesley Franca, with intermediaries suggesting a January deal is “possible” if a serious offer arrives.
The 22-year-old only joined Roma permanently in July 2025, after impressing for Brazilian giants Flamengo at the Club World Cup.
However, Wesley has made a huge impression in Serie A, which has culminated in interest from the English Premier League.
The €25m man has quickly become a key player for Gian Piero Gasperini, featuring on either flank in a back five and offering pace, width and ball-carrying prowess.
Roma star Wesley Franca on Manchester City radar as other English clubs also circle
Wesley has made such a big impact for Roma that English titans Manchester City have emerged as suitors. And they’re not the only ones.
According to TEAMtalk, the Premier League trio of Man City, Tottenham and Newcastle United are all in the picture.
All three English sides admired Wesley prior to his Roma move and ‘have maintained an interest’ in the Brazilian.
They’ve also been impressed with how Wesley has been faring in one of Europe’s top leagues since his arrival.
Intermediaries have reportedly let Wesley’s English suitors know that a deal could be possible, should they show a significant desire.
🇧🇷 Intermediaries have alerted Tottenham and Man City to the possibility five-cap Brazil int’l, Wesley, can be signed in 2026https://t.co/02s0GekYTX
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) January 7, 2026
Everton – who are owned by The Friedkin Group like Roma – are also said to be eyeing Wesley.
However, the report claims the Toffees may struggle to match their English rivals financially.
Roma’s likely stance towards Wesley sale
The report claims Roma are hugely happy with Wesley’s progress since arriving at the Italian capital.
Roma signed Wesley ahead of a host of top clubs, including Juventus, Milan, the aforementioned Man City and Chelsea.
But despite this, alongside the fact Roma ‘do not need the money’, Gian Piero Gasperini’s desire to strengthen up front ‘could mean deals are possible’.
The Giallorossi could certainly do with bolstering their attacking ranks further ahead of a huge second half of the season.
Roma like Joshua Zirkzee and are trying to get a deal over the line with Manchester United.
However, selling Wesley so soon after his move could prove incredibly counter-productive.
Alongside weakening the squad mid-season, selling Wesley would likely upset the vast majority of the fanbase.
Roma would be better off holding out until the summer at the very least, where they can take their time with discussions and potential replacements.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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