West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing for DR Congo
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is close to joining Aston VillaImago

Sources: Aaron Wan-Bissaka 'agrees in principle' to join Aston Villa

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka has reached an "agreement in principle" to join Aston Villa this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Midlands giants are in negotiations with West Ham on a final fee for the 28-year-old, thought to be in the region of £20-25million.

The right-back is also of interest to Everton, but is closing in on a move to join up with Unai Emery's squad.

Wan-Bissaka was relegated with West Ham last season and has been keen to return to the Premier League after impressing at the World Cup with DR Congo.

Villa have been largely focused on replacements in the transfer window having lost several key players, but the ex-Man United star will provide them with central defensive and right-back cover.

Matty Cash, the current first choice right-back, made 49 appearances across all competitions and was rarely afforded a rest.

Why do Aston Villa want Aaron Wan-Bissaka?

Wan-Bissaka has been a known quantity in the Premier League for almost a decade now.

Originally breaking through with Crystal Palace before securing a £50m move to Manchester United in 2019, the right back has made 233 Premier League appearances.

The defender left the Red Devils for West Ham in 2024 and has represented a solid presence in the years since, despite some trouble last season.

Wan-Bissaka briefly lost his position in the team to Kyle Walker-Peters, but broke back in and saw out most of the remainder of the season as the Hammers were relegated.

While a move to Villa would almost certainly mean a reduction in his playing time, the 28-year-old would return to the Champions League.

And for Emery, the defender represents competition for Cash, an emergency defender and a possibility at centre-back.

West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing for DR Congo
Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with 'quality' player, he's 'perfect' for Champions League - Keith Wyness

Unai Emery to push for late Villa transfer flurry

Villa have had an incredibly busy transfer window already, but there remain several outstanding gaps in the squad.

Matteo Ruggeri is close to joining after Lucas Digne's exit, and central midfielder could also do with another arrival.

Brian Madjo's emergence appears to have quelled concerns in the centre of the attack, but there remains a need for a new right winger as Leon Bailey prepares to leave.

Ezri Konsa' uncertain future also continues to be a concern, with Villa potentially facing a late scramble for a key centre-back.

Wan-Bissaka will solve some issues, but plenty of work is still on the menu at Villa Park.

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