Arsenal’s right-back search takes a surprising turn with Wan-Bissaka

Arsenal are preparing for a summer of change at right-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka now a credible candidate to join the Emirates. According to TeamTalk, the club are actively assessing the market for a new right-back, and Wan-Bissaka has emerged as a genuine option among 11 players under consideration. The report states that Arsenal are continuing to assess the market for a new right-back, with Wan-Bissaka now described as a “genuine option” in their recruitment plans.

The move is tied to uncertainty over Ben White’s future. While no final decision has been made, the current expectation is that White is more likely to move abroad, though his “knee ligament injury suffered towards the end of last season has complicated any immediate transfer.” Arsenal’s recruitment staff are prioritising greater competition and cover for Jurrien Timber ahead of another demanding campaign.

Andrea Berta and Arsenal’s recruitment team are casting a wide net. Ezri Konsa, Jules Kounde, Raúl Asensio, Oscar Mingueza, and Lutsharel Geertruida have all been analysed. Younger names including Wesley, Vanderson, Givairo Read, and Ivan Fresneda are also under consideration. Tino Livramento is viewed as exciting but his “dubious injury record” and a “likely world record asking price” have pushed his option “very much on the back-burner.”

Wan-Bissaka’s inclusion is the most surprising element. Following West Ham’s relegation, he is expected to be made available for transfer. At 28, he remains widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s strongest one-on-one defenders. Arsenal’s recruitment staff value defensive reliability, and there is a belief within the club that his profile could complement Timber well, offering Mikel Arteta another reliable defensive option capable of handling elite wide players.

Everton and Fenerbahçe are already mentioned as interested in Wan-Bissaka, while “further enquiries are expected as the window progresses.” Arsenal are doing the sensible thing, but the report stresses that no final decision has been made. They are still weighing the alternatives as part of a pragmatic transfer strategy.

The report highlights that Arsenal’s thinking is pragmatic rather than romantic. They are shopping for profiles, availability, and tactical fit rather than names. Wan-Bissaka may not excite everyone, but squad construction is not a beauty contest. For now, the right conclusion is that he has “emerged as one of the more intriguing names under serious consideration at the Emirates.”

That does not make him the favourite, but it does make him a serious part of Arsenal’s transfer plans. The club have spent long enough building a squad that is supposed to be ready to win the biggest prizes. At some point, the recruitment has to look decisive, not just busy. Wan-Bissaka’s profile raises eyebrows for a reason, but Arsenal under Arteta ask more from full-backs than old-fashioned defending.