Liverpool Eye Flamengo’s Wesley Franca Amid Alexander-Arnold Exit Plans

Wesley Franca attracting Europe’s elite

Flamengo defender Wesley Franca is emerging as one of the most sought-after young right-backs in South America, with Liverpool among several European giants vying for his signature. The 21-year-old’s standout displays in Brazil’s Serie A have drawn sustained interest from top clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Barcelona.

Liverpool’s recruitment team, ever proactive in identifying emerging talent, are believed to be particularly attentive to Franca’s development. With uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future, the club views Wesley as a long-term option in a position that may soon require urgent reinforcement.

According to Caught Offside, “Liverpool are also in the mix, viewing Wesley as a potential successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold.” The report adds, “Liverpool’s scouting department has been monitoring Wesley for over a year, and the club have made informal approaches to Flamengo regarding a possible transfer.”

Alexander-Arnold’s looming departure reshaping summer plans

While no formal announcement has been made, Alexander-Arnold is strongly linked with a high-profile switch to Real Madrid. Should a move materialise, Liverpool will face a unique conundrum. The England international is not just a right-back — he is a system-defining player whose creative output rivals that of elite midfielders.

The difficulty in sourcing a direct replacement for Alexander-Arnold cannot be overstated. Adding to the challenge is the financial aspect. With his contract situation likely allowing him to leave without a substantial fee, Liverpool will not benefit from a windfall, making value for money a key theme in the summer recruitment strategy.

Chelsea pushing hard, but Flamengo hold firm

Chelsea appear to be leading the early chase for Wesley, with the West London club reportedly making “initial contact” with the player’s representatives. Sources indicate they are prepared to offer €20million (£17m), but Flamengo are holding out for a fee in the region of €30–35 million (£29m).

Negotiations are expected to accelerate at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where Chelsea and Flamengo will both feature. As Caught Offside notes, “negotiations are expected to intensify at the Club World Cup, where both clubs will participate, providing Chelsea an opportunity to observe Wesley.”

This will provide Liverpool a chance to evaluate the situation further, particularly as the player’s agents have reportedly been in contact with several Premier League clubs during recent visits to England.

Arsenal and Man City also monitoring developments

Arsenal have entered the fray as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster depth in the full-back position. Caught Offside reports: “The Gunners have entered the race, looking to strengthen their right-back options and have initiated contact with Wesley’s camp. They are reportedly willing to meet Flamengo’s valuation of €35 million.”

Manchester City have also held exploratory talks, with Wesley’s representatives meeting with officials from both Liverpool and City during recent trips.

Whether Liverpool decide to formalise their interest may depend on developments around Alexander-Arnold’s situation. However, with so many clubs circling, any delay could see the Reds lose ground in the race for one of Brazil’s most promising defensive exports.

Statistical Analysis

The radar chart showcases Wesley Franca’s performance metrics over the past 365 days (3,152 minutes), comparing him to other full-backs across key categories: attacking, possession, and defending. The data paints a well-rounded picture of why the 21-year-old Flamengo star is attracting interest from clubs like Liverpool.

In possession, Wesley excels with elite percentile rankings. He ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received and 93rd for pass completion, underlining his technical proficiency and importance in build-up play. His touch volume (80th percentile) and progressive carries (84th) demonstrate his comfort on the ball and willingness to drive forward — attributes highly valued in modern full-backs.

Attacking-wise, Wesley’s 88th percentile in shot-creating actions stands out. He’s also well above average in expected assisted goals (61st) and non-penalty expected goals (59th), which suggests he’s a dynamic contributor in the final third, whether delivering key passes or arriving in attacking positions himself.

Defensively, Wesley’s stats are equally compelling. He ranks in the 87th percentile for aerials won, a particularly notable trait for a full-back, alongside strong showings in blocks (84th) and tackles + interceptions (71st). His 42nd percentile for clearances is slightly below average, but this may reflect Flamengo’s dominant style of play rather than a deficiency.

Overall, this radar profile illustrates a player with standout technical quality, attacking vision, and robust defensive output — a rare combination. His suitability as a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold becomes clearer through this lens, especially for a side like Liverpool, who demand versatility and tactical intelligence from their full-backs.