Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham United, with the defender set to arrive initially on loan before a mandatory purchase clause makes the transfer permanent.
According to TEAMtalk, Villa have won the race for the 28-year-old after interest from Everton, Lazio and Fulham, giving Unai Emery an experienced addition at right-back while another move involving Kosta Nedeljkovic edges closer.
Aston Villa agree Wan-Bissaka transfer
Wan-Bissaka has spent much of the summer considering his future after falling outside Nuno Espirito Santo's plans at West Ham.
Villa have now reached an agreement with the Hammers which will see the former Manchester United defender move to Villa Park on loan. A mandatory purchase clause is then expected to trigger a permanent transfer next summer.
Final details are being completed ahead of the switch, with the expectation that the deal will be formalised before the weekend.
Wan-Bissaka's preference to remain in the Premier League is understood to have helped Villa's cause, while the opportunity to play Champions League football under Emery also appealed to the defender.
Wan-Bissaka arrival clears path for Nedeljkovic
The transfer is also connected to Villa's plans for Kosta Nedeljkovic, who is expected to join Rangers on loan.
Villa were preparing to sanction the Serbian right-back's temporary departure but needed sufficient cover before allowing him to leave.
Wan-Bissaka provides that replacement.
Rather than relying solely on a younger option, Villa are adding a defender with considerable Premier League experience following spells with Crystal Palace, Manchester United and West Ham.
His arrival should give Emery another established option on the right side of his defence during a campaign in which Villa will balance domestic commitments with Champions League football.
Why Villa have moved for Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka's defensive qualities and experience are reported to have been important factors behind Villa's decision.
The right-back built his reputation at Crystal Palace before Manchester United signed him in 2019. His ability in one-against-one defensive situations has remained one of the most recognisable parts of his game.
Villa believe those qualities can provide reliability and competition across a demanding season, while the structure of the transfer allows them to add Wan-Bissaka immediately before completing the permanent purchase next summer.
For West Ham, the agreement provides a solution for a player who was no longer central to Nuno's plans. For Villa, it allows Nedeljkovic to pursue regular football at Rangers without leaving Emery short of senior right-back options.
Key Points
- Aston Villa have agreed a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
- The West Ham defender will initially arrive on loan with a mandatory purchase clause.
- Everton, Lazio and Fulham had also shown interest.
- Wan-Bissaka was not part of Nuno Espirito Santo's plans at West Ham.
- His arrival allows Kosta Nedeljkovic to move to Rangers on loan.
- Villa hope to complete the deal before the weekend.
What's Next?
Villa are now working through the final details before Wan-Bissaka's transfer is formally completed.
Once his arrival is secured, Nedeljkovic's expected loan switch to Rangers should also be able to progress, completing the right-back reshuffle.
The timing could give Wan-Bissaka an immediate opportunity. Villa expect the transfer to be completed in time for him to potentially make his debut against Brighton in their opening game of the season, provided the remaining formalities are completed.
Could Aaron Wan-Bissaka prove a smart addition for Unai Emery's Aston Villa?
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