Liverpool are set to address their ongoing right-back dilemma this summer, with a clear pathway emerging for versatile Brazilian defender Wesley Franca.

The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for a cut-price £10 million last year left a gap that has yet to be fully filled. While Conor Bradley received a new contract and Jeremie Frimpong arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million, manager Arne Slot has frequently relied on midfielders to cover the position. Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Curtis Jones have all featured at right-back this season, while Joe Gomez has seen more playing time than anticipated.

The Reds have been linked with several right-backs, including Denzel Dumfries and Marco Palestra, but a familiar target may now be within reach. Wesley Franca, now at Roma after leaving Flamengo, was heavily linked with Liverpool last year before his move to Italy. The 22-year-old Brazil international has impressed under Gian Piero Gasperini, playing both left and right wing-back roles and contributing five goals in Serie A this season.

Roma, owned by the Friedkin Group who also control Everton, reportedly planned to send Wesley to Goodison Park. However, the Toffees' likely failure to qualify for European competition complicates that move. Convincing a player of Wesley's rising stock to join a mid-table club without European football is a tough sell, opening the door for other Premier League suitors.

Liverpool are among the interested parties, with reports suggesting the champions "appreciate the Brazilian's profile and versatility." But they face competition from Arsenal and Newcastle. Sporting director Richard Hughes now has a clear pathway to sign a player originally seen as Alexander-Arnold's successor. Wesley has proven he can meet the demands of European football and could be set for a major move this off-season.