Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham United, with a season-long loan and a conditional option to buy agreed. The 28-year-old right-back was left out of West Ham's squad for their Championship opener against Burnley on Sunday, and also missed the Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth, fueling speculation about his future.
BirminghamLive understands that positive talks on Tuesday have brought Villa close to securing Wan-Bissaka's signature. West Ham have granted permission for him to travel for a medical, having previously demanded more than £20 million for the full-back. The DR Congo international has spent the last two years at the London Stadium after his £15 million move from Manchester United, making 65 appearances and scoring twice.
Relegation and Competition
Wan-Bissaka was part of the West Ham side that suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, though he started only two of their final seven matches, with Kyle Walker-Peters preferred. At Villa, he will compete with Matty Cash for the first-choice right-back spot, as the club balances Premier League and Champions League commitments.
Villa are also working on a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, following confirmation from Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl that a loan fee would be granted. Bayern prefer a permanent sale, but limited suitors have emerged. Palhinha, 31, impressed on loan at Tottenham last season and is keen to return to the Premier League, a move Bayern are aware of.
Squad Changes and Upcoming Fixtures
To make room for Wan-Bissaka, Kosta Nedeljkovic is expected to be sold to Rangers, following Andres Garcia's loan move to Getafe. Atletico Madrid's Matteo Ruggeri and Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki are also expected to be confirmed as Villa's fourth and fifth summer signings soon.
Villa begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Brighton on Sunday, then host champions Arsenal before traveling to newly-promoted Hull City. The club's summer activity reflects Emery's intent to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.
