Arsenal prepare Wan-Bissaka bid as £250m summer rebuild gathers pace

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Mikel Arteta’s squad overhaul accelerates, with sporting director Andrea Berta working from a reported £250m transfer budget ahead of the Premier League title defence.

The 28-year-old Wan-Bissaka, who impressed during DR Congo’s run to the Round of 32 at the World Cup, is understood to be open to leaving West Ham United following their relegation to the Championship last season. He has also attracted interest from Everton and Fenerbahce.

The move would be contingent on Ben White’s departure. The England international has slipped down the right-back pecking order at the Emirates since Jurrien Timber’s emergence, with a series of injury setbacks over the past two seasons compounding his limited opportunities. According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of 11 potential successors should White choose to leave, with Wan-Bissaka among the most prominent names.

Other right-backs said to be under consideration include Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio, Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida, Monaco’s Vanderson, Roma’s Wesley, Sporting CP’s Ivan Fresneda, and Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read.

Arsenal’s window has been measured so far. Piero Hincapie is the only senior arrival after the 24-year-old defender made his loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent in a £34.5m deal. On the outgoing side, Jakub Kiwior has joined Porto, while Leandro Trossard is widely expected to follow after a reported £17m agreement was reached with Besiktas.

Activity is expected to intensify as pre-season gets underway. A new midfielder and left winger remain Arteta’s primary targets, with defensive reinforcements also understood to be a priority. Arsenal have also reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, though details of that development remain ongoing.