Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Arsenal: Arsenal eye shock raid for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to solve right-back dilemma
Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Arsenal: Arsenal are champions of England at long last. A first Premier League title in 22 years is safely in the bag, alongside a brilliant run to the Champions League final. Mikel Arteta, however, is not a manager to stand still. The squad needs reinforcement, specifically a robust right-back to compete with and cover for Jurrien Timber. Now, a completely unexpected name has entered the frame. Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The former Manchester United defender is sparking a serious internal debate at the Emirates Stadium. Reports from TEAMtalk indicate the 28-year-old sits on an 11-man shortlist put together by sporting director Andrea Berta. Extensive background work has been done on several options. No official bid has been launched, but Wan-Bissaka’s name keeps finding its way back to the top of the pile.
Arteta wants a specialist. He needs a defensively minded full-back who can completely neutralise elite wingers. Wan-Bissaka fits that specific profile perfectly. His one-on-one tackling remains legendary in the English game. Bukayo Saka has openly admitted how difficult his international teammate is to get past in training, while James Maddison once labelled him the best in the world in those isolated defensive moments.
The relegation factor and a vacancy in north London
West Ham dropping into the Championship last season changed everything. Wan-Bissaka moved to east London for £15 million in 2024, quickly becoming an indispensable asset and winning the Hammer of the Year award. Even during a miserable relegation campaign for the club, his personal stock remained high. He managed 25 Premier League appearances last term, averaging 1.56 tackles and 1.77 interceptions per 90 minutes. Top-flight quality. A player of his calibre simply will not play second-tier football during the peak years of his career.
The Athletic reports that West Ham will sanction a sale if a club meet their £25 million valuation. Arsenal have the cash, boosted significantly by their recent trophy windfalls.
His recent World Cup campaign with DR Congo only strengthened his case. Starting every match, he helped guide his nation through a brutal group containing Portugal and Colombia, before a narrow 2-1 exit to England in the round of 16. He spent the tournament silencing world-class wide players. Arteta’s scouting team took notice.
Read: Report – Arsenal preparing transfer offer for World Cup teenage sensation
A vacancy has opened up in the Arsenal backline. Ben White faces a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee ligament injury late last season, and heavy interest from the Middle East and Europe has clouded his long-term future. While Wan-Bissaka has a long contract keeping him tied to West Ham until 2031, the Hammers lack the leverage to keep him. Everton and Fenerbahçe have made enquiries. Arsenal present a different level of temptation entirely. Berta has a massive decision to make with his shortlist, but the logic behind this move is impossible to ignore.
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