Aston Villa have pulled off 'top signing' as Aaron Wan-Bisska deal agreed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is viewed as a significant upgrade on Matty Cash at Aston Villa as they close in on his permanent signing.
Football Insider exclusively revealed last Friday that Villa have agreed to sign the 28-year-old from West Ham and a deal has progressed in recent days.
Unai Emery has been aiming to strengthen at right-back in the last couple of windows, and as he edges closer to getting his man, is expected to be "delighted" with the business.
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the club have been concerned about Cash's defensive limitations, leading to their pursuit of Wan-Bissaka.
Cash has been a mainstay in Emery's starting XI in recent years, and made 49 appearances across all competitions last season, but will now face serious competition for his place.
While Aston Villa are aware that Wan-Bissaka also has limitations to his game, notably going forward, his specialist defensive qualities will make him an important addition.
Why are Aston Villa signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka?
Brown told Football Insider on 18 August that Aston Villa were closing in on an agreement in their pursuit of Wan-Bissaka and have been pushing to get the deal done.
After terms were agreed over his signing, the right-back is expected to challenge for a regular role in the starting XI, and Emery is believed to be a big fan of his.
That has raised questions about Cash's long-term role in the side, and has kickstarted speculation that he could leave Villa Park, with Wan-Bissaka seen as an upgrade.
"Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be a top signing for Aston Villa," Brown told Football Insider.
"They've wanted to strengthen at right-back for a while, because they have had their doubts about Matty Cash and his abilities, and Wan-Bissaka would certainly be a big upgrade.
"Wan-Bissaka excels defensively, and he has his limitations going forward which Villa will be aware of, compared to Cash who is decent at both but not a specialist in either area.
"So it's clear why Villa wanted to bring in the West Ham man, because he offers them something they don't have at the moment.
"Unai Emery will be delighted to get a deal over the line, because as I said, it's a position he has wanted to bolster for a while, and he has been a big admirer of Wan-Bissaka."
What is Unai Emery's plan for Wan-Bissaka?
Wan-Bissaka will come into Aston Villa to challenge for a place in the starting XI, amid the ongoing question marks about Cash's future and a possible move away.
However, Football Insider revealed on 15 August that Wan-Bissaka has been identified as an option to play in multiple roles, including as a centre-back in a back two or three.
The defender's pace has made him an option to fill in across multiple different roles, although he specialises as a full-back, and will arrive to compete with Cash.
The right-back has been identified as the ideal candidate to finally adress what has been a long-term concern for Emery, and they are now confident of completing a deal.
Brown has backed Emery to get the best out of Wan-Bissaka by allowing him to focus on his defensive responsibilities, and believes a move to Villa Park will be good for all parties.