Aston Villa have opened talks with West Ham United over a possible move for Democratic Republic of Congo international Aaron Wan-Bissaka as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season.
Villa are understood to be among the clubs interested in the 28-year-old right-back, with reports from The Athletic suggesting they currently hold an advantage over rivals including Everton.
The potential transfer has emerged after West Ham’s relegation to the Championship, which has created uncertainty around the future of several players at the London club.
West Ham are expected to reshape their squad following their drop from the Premier League and could look to move on some of their higher-profile players as they seek to reduce their wage commitments.
Wan-Bissaka is among those who could leave, despite having joined West Ham relatively recently.
Villa’s interest would give manager Unai Emery the opportunity to add an experienced Premier League defender to his squad. Wan-Bissaka could provide competition for Matty Cash, who has been Villa’s first-choice right-back.
Talks between Villa and West Ham are understood to have begun in mid-August, although discussions remain at an exploratory stage and no agreement has yet been reached.
West Ham are also in a strong negotiating position because of Wan-Bissaka’s contract situation. The club reportedly values the defender at £25m, around €30m, meaning Villa would have to meet that valuation if they are to secure his services.
That figure represents a significant increase on the £15m West Ham paid Manchester United for the right-back in August 2024.
The Hammers’ asking price could prove a major factor in determining whether Villa decide to proceed with the move.
Wan-Bissaka’s career has taken several significant turns since he emerged from the Crystal Palace academy.
He established himself in the Premier League at Palace before earning a move to Manchester United for £50m. During his time at Old Trafford, he made 190 appearances and was part of teams that won both the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
His subsequent move to West Ham offered another Premier League opportunity, but the club’s relegation has now put his future under fresh scrutiny.
The former Palace academy player has built a career almost entirely around English football, moving from Palace to Manchester United and then West Ham.
A move to Villa would represent another Premier League chapter rather than a departure from England’s top flight.
However, Villa will have to decide whether West Ham’s £25m valuation represents good value for a defender who has only recently joined the club.
West Ham’s relegation has changed the circumstances around the player, but the club’s willingness to demand a substantial transfer fee means there is still a gap to bridge between the two sides.
