Arsenal add £25m former Man Utd star to transfer shortlist

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is on Arsenal’s defensive shortlist (Shutterstock)

Arsenal have West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka on their list of defensive targets for the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Wan-Bissaka has spent two seasons at West Ham following his £15 million move from Manchester United in 2024.

The 28-year-old also played for DR Congo at the World Cup where the African nation were eliminated by England in the round of 32.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are in the market to reinforce Mikel Arteta ’s defensive options this summer due to William Saliba’s back injury .

According to the Daily Mail , Wan-Bissaka is on Arsenal’s shortlist of options alongside Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and John Stones, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City this summer.

The report adds that West Ham are demanding a £25m fee for Wan-Bissaka which Arsenal are not prepared to meet.

Arsenal have confirmed they will be without William Saliba ‘for an extended period’ (AFP via Getty)

Arsenal are also said to be far apart in their valuation of Konsa as Villa are demanding £60m , but the Premier League champions want a deal for around £35m.

Saliba, meanwhile, will not undergo surgery to fix his back problem, with Arsenal confirming on Wednesday that the France international will instead undergo a ‘period of rehabilitation’ .

A statement from Arsenal on Wednesday evening read: ‘William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition.

‘Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.

‘Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.

‘William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.

‘Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.’

Arsenal are also set to be without Jurrien Timber for the start of their pre-season campaign.

Timber was forced to miss the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign due to a groin injury.

The 25-year-old is still undergoing rehabilitation and is unsure when he will return.

Getting there slowly, trying hard,’ Timber said on Monday.

‘Been rehabbing over the summer, hopefully back soon.’