Aston Villa have begun discussions with West Ham United over a possible deal for DR Congo international Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the defender understood to be valued at about £25m.
Villa are considering the 28-year-old as they look to strengthen their options at right-back before the new season. Manager Unai Emery is keen to increase competition for Matty Cash, and Wan-Bissaka’s experience of Premier League football has made him a leading option for the club.
Initial talks between the two sides have already taken place, although it is not yet clear whether Villa will be willing to match West Ham’s valuation.
Wan-Bissaka joined West Ham from Manchester United in 2024 and has since become an experienced member of their defence. He made 25 appearances for the Hammers last season, but the club’s relegation to the Championship has created uncertainty around the futures of several of their important players.
A move to Villa would give Wan-Bissaka the opportunity to remain in the Premier League following West Ham’s drop into the second tier.
For Villa, the potential signing would provide another experienced option at right-back and allow Emery to strengthen an area where Cash is currently an established choice.
The club had previously looked at the possibility of signing Emerson Royal, the former Tottenham and Brazil right-back. However, that move did not progress, leaving Villa to explore other candidates.
Wan-Bissaka has subsequently emerged as an alternative, with Villa attracted by his knowledge of the Premier League and his defensive experience.
West Ham are understood to want approximately £25m for the defender. Villa must now decide whether that figure represents good value as they continue their recruitment work.
The Hammers’ relegation has placed greater focus on the composition of their squad, with the possibility of key players departing as the club prepares for life in the Championship. Wan-Bissaka is among those whose future has become uncertain.
For the defender, a move to Villa would represent a return to the top flight and the chance to continue competing at the highest level of English football.
Wan-Bissaka spent several years at Manchester United before moving to West Ham in 2024, giving him substantial Premier League experience. That background is one of the factors behind Villa’s interest as they seek to improve their squad.
The Midlands club are yet to make a formal offer, with the two clubs currently at the exploratory stage of negotiations. However, with the transfer window moving towards its closing stages, the situation could develop quickly if Villa decide to proceed.
Emery is looking to ensure that Villa have sufficient depth and competition across the squad, and the right-back position is one area where the club are assessing their options.
Wan-Bissaka’s availability has therefore presented Villa with an opportunity to recruit a defender who already understands the demands of the Premier League. His arrival would also give the club an alternative to Cash and greater depth in the position.
The next step will depend on whether Villa are prepared to meet West Ham’s £25m valuation or attempt to negotiate different terms.
With time running down in the transfer window, talks between the clubs could become more significant as Villa weigh up whether to turn their interest in the DR Congo international into a formal bid.
For West Ham, meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka’s possible departure would be another consequence of their relegation, while the defender could secure an immediate return to Premier League football if the proposed move to Villa is completed.
