Aston Villa are shifting focus toward strengthening their right-back options, with a move for Matteo Ruggeri set to be confirmed at left-back imminently. Attention now turns firmly to West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with sources describing Villa’s interest as genuine and concrete.
Ruggeri Deal Paves the Way
Villa’s pursuit of Ruggeri has moved swiftly in recent days. A verbal agreement reportedly exists for the Italian left-back, with a fixed fee around £21.4m plus add-ons taking the total closer to £22.7m. Ruggeri has already agreed personal terms, and medical arrangements are progressing.
That deal fills an obvious gap left by Lucas Digne’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this window. Rather than pausing there, though, Unai Emery wants to address the opposite flank too.
Matty Cash remains Villa’s established right-back, yet reliable depth behind him has proven elusive all summer. An earlier attempt to sign Flamengo’s Emerson Royal collapsed, pushing Villa toward alternative targets. Wan-Bissaka now sits atop that list.
West Ham value the DR Congo international at roughly £25m, a figure that raises eyebrows given the fee they paid for him just two years ago. Relegation has weakened their negotiating position somewhat, yet Wan-Bissaka’s contract length appears to have emboldened their asking price regardless.
Villa, though, aren’t approaching this recklessly. UEFA’s financial regulations continue constraining their spending, and other priorities, including a central midfielder and an attacking reinforcement, still need addressing before the window shuts.
Competition Heats Up for Wan-Bissaka
Villa aren’t alone in this chase. Arsenal have monitored Wan-Bissaka too, seeking full-back cover while Jurrien Timber continues his recovery. Everton previously watched his situation closely as well, though they’ve since redirected focus elsewhere.
Reports suggest Villa have moved ahead of their rivals, positioning themselves as clear frontrunners. Nothing has been formally agreed yet, but discussions between the two clubs are advancing steadily.
Wan-Bissaka brings genuine Premier League pedigree to any move. He made 190 appearances during his Manchester United spell, winning both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, before joining West Ham in 2024. His debut season in east London earned him the club’s Player of the Year award, underlining his consistency even amid a difficult campaign.
Should Villa complete both signings, Emery would suddenly possess considerably strengthened full-back options entering a demanding season. For continued coverage of Villa’s transfer business this summer, visit KCPredict. Additional reporting on Wan-Bissaka’s situation was also covered by TeamTalk, who first detailed the timeline around Ruggeri’s imminent announcement.
For now, Villa’s defensive rebuild continues gathering real momentum.