Aston Villa sound out West Ham over DR Congo defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka deal

Aston Villa have opened preliminary discussions with West Ham United regarding a possible transfer for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as they step up their search for a new right-back.

The 28-year-old has emerged as one of Villa’s options for the position, with the club keen to strengthen the area and provide greater competition for Matty Cash ahead of the new season.

Villa had previously explored a move for Emerson Royal, but their interest in the Flamengo defender, who formerly played for Tottenham Hotspur, failed to result in a deal.

There is also a possibility that Kosta Nedeljkovic could leave, with Scottish giants Rangers among the clubs monitoring the Villa right-back.

Wan-Bissaka has therefore become a player of interest as Villa assess their options for the position.

West Ham demand £25m

West Ham are prepared to consider offers for Wan-Bissaka this summer and have placed a valuation of around £25million ($33.5m) on the defender.

The Athletic reported in its Transfer DealSheet on July 7 that the London club would be willing to sanction his departure despite the player still having five years remaining on his contract.

Wan-Bissaka moved to West Ham from Manchester United in August 2024 for an initial £15million ($20.1m), putting pen to paper on a seven-year agreement that keeps him tied to the club until 2031.

Any potential move to Villa would consequently require the Premier League club to meet a significantly higher figure than West Ham paid for his services two years ago.

West Ham relegation changes picture

Wan-Bissaka endured a difficult second season in east London, making 25 league appearances as West Ham were relegated from the Premier League.

The relegation ended their long stay in England’s top flight and means they will compete in the Championship for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign.

His position in the starting XI also came under pressure during the closing stages of the season.

Wan-Bissaka started only two of West Ham’s last seven matches, with Kyle Walker-Peters taking over at right-back after establishing himself ahead of the DR Congo international.

Walker-Peters had previously deputised in the role while Wan-Bissaka was away representing DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Across two seasons at West Ham, Wan-Bissaka has made 65 appearances.

World Cup experience adds to pedigree

Wan-Bissaka’s stock remains boosted by his international experience, having started every one of DR Congo’s four matches at this summer’s World Cup.

He was part of the side that secured a 1-1 draw against Portugal before featuring in their round-of-32 meeting with England.

DR Congo threatened a major upset after taking the lead against the Three Lions, only for Harry Kane to score twice after the 75th minute and send England through.

The tournament added to a career that already includes extensive Premier League experience.

Wan-Bissaka spent five seasons at Manchester United, playing 190 times for the club and collecting the League Cup in 2023 before helping them win the FA Cup in 2024.

Villa’s exploratory talks with West Ham indicate that the defender is firmly under consideration as Emery looks to strengthen his right-back options, although the London club’s £25million valuation could prove decisive in determining whether the interest develops into a formal bid.