After parting with Ben White, Arsenal aims to secure a Brazilian 'wizard' for the right flank

As part of the defensive overhaul strategy for the 2026 campaign, Arsenal is intensively scouting Brazilian-origin talents to fill Ben White's void and boost creativity along the right flank.

The summer 2026 transfer window is poised to witness a strategic overhaul at Emirates Stadium. Given that Ben White's future is no longer guaranteed and the necessity to find a fair competitor for Jurrien Timber, manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal's leadership have identified the right-back position as an absolute transfer priority.

Two primary targets have been pinpointed: Wesley Franca and Vanderson – wing-running specialists embodying the attacking flair of Samba football.

The name that most strongly impresses Arsenal's scouting team currently is Wesley Franca, the 22-year-old star shining brightly at AS Roma. Despite his youth, Wesley possesses an ideal physique and astonishing attacking support ability. His statistics in Serie A this season are truly explosive, with 1 goal and 5 assists in just 4 official appearances.

His remarkable defensive maturity has caught the eye of both Real Madrid and Manchester City. With a market value around €35 million, this is considered a smart investment. However, the biggest hurdle is his contract with Roma extending to 2030, promising a tense financial negotiation between the clubs.

If Wesley is an explosive player, Vanderson of AS Monaco offers more solidity and seasoned experience in Ligue 1. This 24-year-old defender has 7 caps for Brazil's national team and possesses an extremely flexible playing style, adaptable to various tactical systems under Arteta.

Arsenal is considering swift action on Vanderson if they decide to sell Ben White next May. However, the Gunners will face fierce competition from Liverpool and rival Tottenham. Vanderson's price is assessed as highly competitive, fitting the North London club's budget amid an inflated transfer market.

Besides the two Brazilian 'ace cards', Arsenal also has quality backup plans like Tino Livramento or Nnamdi Collins to guard against negotiation risks. Mikel Arteta's ultimate goal is to inject fresh vitality into the right flank, creating smooth connections with attacking stars upfront and enhancing rapid transition capability.

Successfully recruiting either star Wesley or Vanderson would not only strengthen the defense but also affirm Arsenal's ambition to dominate the Premier League and advance deep in European competitions. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining which 'dancer' will arrive at Emirates to begin a new era on the right corridor.