Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shortlisted AS Roma full-back Wesley França as a potential transfer target, with Spurs looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the January transfer window.
The Brazilian defender has impressed since moving to Italian football and is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs. His versatility, athleticism and attacking ability could make him an attractive option for Tottenham as they look to improve squad depth.
According to reports published in October 2026, Tottenham are among the clubs monitoring Wesley, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United also linked with the Roma defender.
However, a potential deal would not come cheaply, with Roma reportedly valuing the 23-year-old at between €50 million and €60 million.
Here is everything Tottenham supporters need to know about Wesley, his statistics, reported price tag and what he could offer Spurs.
Who Is Wesley França?
Wesley França Lima is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for AS Roma. Primarily a right-back, he is also capable of operating on the left side of defence and further forward as a wing-back.
The defender joined Roma from Brazilian side Flamengo in July 2025 after establishing himself as a promising young talent in his home country.
Wesley had made more than 100 first-team appearances for Flamengo before his move to Europe and had also earned senior international recognition with Brazil.
At 23 years old, he fits the profile of a player who could provide Tottenham with both immediate quality and long-term potential.
His versatility could be particularly valuable for Roberto De Zerbi, who would have another option capable of covering different positions across the defensive line.
Wesley’s Statistics at AS Roma
Wesley’s performances in Serie A have demonstrated that he can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
During the 2025/26 Serie A campaign, the Brazilian recorded 30 appearances, five goals and 2,457 minutes played, according to Opta Analyst.
Those numbers are particularly impressive for a defender whose primary responsibilities include protecting the back line and supporting attacks from wide areas.
Wesley also scored on his Serie A debut against Bologna in August 2025, making an immediate impression following his move from Flamengo.
His five league goals highlight his attacking potential, although his overall contribution must also be judged on his defensive work, positioning and ability to deal with opposition wingers.
For the 2026/27 campaign, figures available from Opta Analyst recorded five Serie A appearances, 420 minutes and one assist in the displayed snapshot. These figures represent a time-specific record rather than a complete season total.
The statistics suggest that Wesley could offer Tottenham more than straightforward defensive cover, particularly if De Zerbi wants his full-backs to contribute regularly in attacking areas.
How Much Would Wesley Cost Tottenham?
One of the biggest obstacles Tottenham could face is Roma’s reported valuation of the Brazilian defender.
Reports in October 2026 suggest that Roma could demand between €50 million and €60 million for Wesley. That is approximately £43 million to £52 million, depending on the exchange rate.
FootballTransfers estimated Wesley’s value at €45.2 million on 1 October 2026, with a projected range of €40.7 million to €49.8 million. This is a valuation model rather than an official asking price from Roma.
Roma are also in a strong negotiating position because Wesley’s contract runs until June 2030. The Italian club have little immediate contractual pressure to sell, meaning Tottenham would probably need to make a substantial offer to encourage negotiations.
For Spurs, the key question is whether Wesley’s potential justifies such a significant investment.
If Tottenham view him as a future first-team regular who can compete for a starting position, the reported fee could be easier to justify. However, spending that amount on a player initially brought in to provide cover would represent a considerable financial commitment.
Why Do Tottenham Need Wesley?
1. Adding More Attacking Quality From Defence
Wesley’s five Serie A goals during the 2025/26 season demonstrate that he can provide an attacking threat from full-back.
His forward runs, ability to support wide attacks and movement into advanced positions could give Tottenham another dimension in the final third.
An overlapping full-back can also create additional space for wingers by forcing opposition defenders to account for more than one attacking threat on the flank.
The challenge would be ensuring that Wesley maintains his defensive responsibilities, particularly when Tottenham lose possession and opponents look to counter-attack.
If De Zerbi can find the right balance, Wesley could become a useful option in a system that encourages defenders to contribute to attacking phases.
2. Offering Tactical Flexibility
Another attraction is Wesley’s ability to operate on either side of the defence.
Although right-back is his natural position, his versatility could provide Tottenham with additional cover on the opposite flank when required.
He could also offer an alternative at wing-back, giving De Zerbi greater flexibility when adjusting his formation or responding to different opponents.
Across a demanding season involving domestic and European fixtures, having a defender capable of covering multiple roles could prove valuable.
Could Wesley Become a Long-Term Tottenham Signing?
At 23, Wesley has considerable time to develop further and potentially establish himself as a regular Premier League performer.
His experience in Brazilian football, appearances for Roma and involvement with the Brazilian national team provide a strong foundation.
However, moving to England would present a different challenge. The pace, physicality and tactical demands of the Premier League can require an adjustment period, even for players who have performed well in other major European leagues.
Tottenham would need to assess whether Wesley could adapt quickly enough to make an immediate contribution, particularly if they are searching for a player who can step into the starting eleven when required.
There is also the wider financial picture to consider. Spurs may have other areas of the squad that require investment, meaning the recruitment team must decide whether Wesley represents the best use of their available budget.
A successful signing would need to offer more than occasional cover. Ideally, Tottenham would be bringing in a player capable of competing for a starting position and improving the team over several seasons.
Which Other Clubs Are Interested in Wesley?
Tottenham are reportedly not alone in monitoring the Roma defender.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United have also been linked with the Brazilian in reports published during October 2026.
Manchester United’s reported interest has received particular attention, potentially increasing the competition Tottenham could face if they decide to pursue a deal.
However, reported scouting interest does not necessarily mean that any club has submitted a formal offer.
With Roma holding a strong contractual position and reportedly demanding a substantial transfer fee, any negotiations could prove complicated.
For now, Wesley should be considered a reported Tottenham transfer target rather than an imminent signing.
Would Wesley Be a Good Signing for Tottenham?
Wesley is an intriguing option for Tottenham Hotspur because he combines youth, versatility and attacking potential in a position where the club reportedly needs greater depth.
His five Serie A goals in 2025/26 suggest he can offer more than defensive cover, while his ability to operate across different positions could provide De Zerbi with additional tactical flexibility.
The biggest concern is the reported price tag. A fee of €50 million to €60 million would represent a substantial investment, particularly if Wesley initially arrives to compete with Porro rather than immediately displace him.
If Tottenham believe the Brazilian can develop into a regular first-team starter, the investment could make sense. If the priority is simply to provide reliable cover at right-back, a less expensive alternative might offer better value.
Ultimately, Wesley is a player worth monitoring, but Tottenham would need to be convinced that his long-term potential justifies Roma’s reported valuation.
With the January transfer window approaching, Spurs supporters will be watching closely to see whether their reported interest develops into something more concrete.
What do you think? Would Wesley be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur, or should Spurs prioritise other areas of the squad?
