Roma prepare new bid for Flamengo full-back Wesley as Gian Piero Gasperini makes Brazilian his top priority

Flamengo have rejected Roma's recent bid of €22 million (£19m/$25m), as they stand firm to their demand of €25m (£21m/$29m) for the full-back. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Wesley is being considered a top target by Roma, and they are now expected to prepare a new bid to secure the services of the Brazilian, who is liked by Gasperini.

After a successful tenure under Claudio Ranieri, the Giallorossi are all set to embark on a new era under Gasperini, who brought continental success in the form of the Europa League to fellow Serie A side Atalanta. The squad is set for a revamp, and Gasperini wants Wesley, who can offer both defensive and offensive features to the Italian's style of play. Wesley, despite being a full-back, is also flexible enough to shift to a right midfielder role, a profile somewhat similar to that of Denzel Dumfries or Jeremie Frimpong, who recently signed for Liverpool.

Roma, who are yet to make a signing in the summer transfer window, have also been linked with Brighton forward Evan Ferguson and are said to be eyeing struggling Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund, too.

Roma will kickstart their Serie A campaign on August 23 with a match against Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico. By then, Gasperini will hope to have a few new additions to his squad.