Arsenal have identified West Ham right back Aaron Wan Bissaka as a potential defensive reinforcement this summer, with the Premier League champions urgently seeking cover following confirmation that William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period with a back injury. The 28 year old former Manchester United defender, who joined the Hammers for £15 million in 2024, has emerged as one of several targets on manager Mikel Arteta’s shortlist as the club looks to maintain their title winning squad depth ahead of the new campaign.
Wan Bissaka recently represented DR Congo at the World Cup, where the African nation’s journey ended in the round of 32 following defeat to England. His performances over two seasons at the London Stadium have evidently impressed Arsenal’s recruitment team, though significant obstacles remain to any potential deal. West Ham are understood to be demanding £25 million for the defender, a valuation that Arsenal are currently unwilling to meet as they weigh up their options across multiple targets.
Alongside Wan Bissaka, Arsenal are also monitoring Aston Villa centre back Ezri Konsa and former Manchester City stalwart John Stones, who is available as a free agent after his departure from the Etihad Stadium this summer. However, negotiations for Konsa have proven equally challenging, with Villa holding firm on a £60 million asking price while Arsenal believe a fee c to £35 million represents fair value. Such disparities in valuation could prove decisive in determining which direction Arteta and sporting director Edu ultimately pursue in the coming weeks.
Saliba’s injury blow has added urgency to Arsenal’s summer business. Following his return from World Cup duty with France, where he played a crucial role in helping Les Bleus reach the semi finals, the 23 year old underwent specialist assessments in London that confirmed a back injury requiring significant rehabilitation. Arsenal released a statement on Wednesday evening confirming that while surgery has been ruled out, the defender will embark on a managed recovery programme and faces an extended spell on the sidelines. Everyone at the club, the statement noted, is fully focused on supporting Saliba to ensure his return to full fitness as soon as possible.
Compounding Arsenal’s defensive concerns, versatile defender Jurrien Timber remains unavailable for the start of pre season training as he continues his own rehabilitation from a groin injury that forced him to miss the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign. Speaking earlier this week, the 25 year old acknowledged his frustration while offering cautious optimism about his recovery timeline. Getting there slowly, trying hard, Timber said on Monday, adding that he had been rehabbing throughout the summer and hoped to return soon. His absence further underscores the pressing need for Arteta to secure additional defensive options before the competitive fixtures begin.
As Arsenal navigate a complex transfer market with multiple targets at varying price points, the coming weeks will prove critical in shaping their defensive lineup for what promises to be another demanding season. Whether the club can negotiate acceptable fees for their preferred targets or whether they will need to explore alternative options remains to be seen. What is certain is that losing Saliba for an extended period represents a significant setback for the reigning champions, and how effectively they respond in the transfer market may well determine whether they can mount a successful title defence when the new campaign gets underway.
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