Man Utd join Newcastle United and Arsenal in race for £42m-rated Champions League defender

Newcastle United, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for an in-demand Serie A star as preparations for the January transfer window gets underway.

Magpies are showing an interest in Brazilian right-back Wesley as he continues to impress with Roma. The former Flamengo star joined the Giallorossi in a reported £21m deal during the summer of 2025 as he penned a five-year deal at the Stadio Olimpico before going on to score five goals and provide two assists in 39 appearances in all competitions during his first season in the Italian capital.

After helping Roma qualify for the Champions League with a third place finish in Serie A, Wesley has continued his impressive form into the current season and has appeared in all but one of his side’s five competitive fixtures during the first month of the campaign.

His performances earned major praise from Roma captain Bryan Cristante last month as he told TNT Sports Brazil: “He’s a strong player, you could see that already in his first season in Italy, which is never easy. He’s done very well and is continuing to do well. He’s a great guy, I wish him and his national team all the best.”

Newcastle were initially linked with a move for Wesley during the summer transfer window as they looked to strengthen their options at right-back following the departures of Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier – but opted for a move for Amar Dedic as the Bosnian international was reunited with his former RB Salzburg head coach Matthias Jaissle at St James Park.

There has been speculation over Tino Livramento’s long-term future on Tyneside as the England international approaches the final 18 months of his current Magpies deal and that could leave Newcastle looking to add further competition for Dedic. However, they are reportedly facing some high calibre opposition should they chose to move for Wesley with the same ASRomaLive report suggesting Manchester United and Arsenal are also monitoring the Brazilian full-back and the Italian outlet suggests Roma will demand a fee worth over £42m before they will consider a sale. Intriguingly, the report also states Newcastle are ‘following’ another Brazilian full-back, with Monaco’s Vanderson said to be in their sights.