Aston Villa step up pursuit of West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aston Villa have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka as they look to strengthen their defence during the summer transfer window.

The Birmingham club have identified the 28-year-old right-back as a key target, with talks already well advanced between the parties involved. According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are currently in pole position to complete the deal and have moved ahead of Everton in the race for the defender.

A definite agreement could be reached in the coming days, although West Ham will not allow Wan-Bissaka to leave for a cut-price fee. The player’s current value is estimated at £25m, which is around €30m, and Aston Villa will need to match that figure if they are to finalise the transfer.

Wan-Bissaka is regarded as one of the important players who could depart West Ham earlier than expected following the club’s relegation to the Championship. The drop into the second tier has changed the situation around the London club and prompted preparations for a significant reduction in their squad and wage bill.

West Ham’s directors are expected to oversee a broad restructuring after relegation, with several senior players potentially leaving as the club seeks to reduce its salary commitments. Wan-Bissaka only joined the club recently, but his status as a key member of the squad means he is among those who could be sold during the current transfer window.

That possibility has opened the door for Aston Villa, who are now pressing ahead with their interest in the international Congolese full-back. Everton remain among the clubs interested, but the available information indicates that Villa currently hold the advantage in the negotiations.

The discussions have progressed sufficiently for an agreement to be considered possible within the next few days. However, the financial terms remain central to the proposed move. West Ham’s £25m valuation sets the level at which Aston Villa must operate, with the London club unwilling to weaken their squad without receiving what they consider an appropriate fee.

For Villa, the negotiations represent an opportunity to add defensive strength through a player who remains under contract at a club facing major changes after relegation. For West Ham, Wan-Bissaka’s potential departure would form part of the wider process of reshaping the squad and reducing costs.

The outcome will depend on whether Aston Villa agree to meet West Ham’s valuation. At present, they are ahead of Everton in the contest, while talks continue over a transfer that could be completed shortly.