Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s West Ham future remains uncertain, but his 2025/26 metrics provide a strong argument against selling him this summer.
The right-back combined elite defensive output with overlooked efficiency in possession during a difficult Premier League campaign.
Arsenal have reportedly added Wan-Bissaka to their defensive shortlist, while Lazio have already tested West Ham with a low offer. The Hammers value the 28-year-old at around £25million and remain in control because his contract runs until 2031.
West Ham may consider a substantial proposal following relegation. However, replacing Wan-Bissaka with a player who can match his work at both ends would present another problem for Nuno Espírito Santo.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s West Ham future should reflect his defensive value
Wan-Bissaka’s reputation rests largely on his one-against-one defending. The underlying figures support that assessment.
According to DataMB’s full-back comparison, Wan-Bissaka averaged 1.12 sliding tackles per 90 minutes last season. He also recorded 5.57 interceptions per 90, placing him at the top of the Premier League full-back comparison in both categories.
Those numbers carry additional importance before a Championship campaign. West Ham will face opponents who attack quickly after turnovers and spend long periods defending deep.
Wan-Bissaka can stop counters without constant protection from a winger or central midfielder. His recovery speed also allows West Ham’s other defenders to hold more aggressive positions.
The Premier League’s official statistics recorded 40 interceptions and 33 tackles from his 2025/26 campaign. Different providers apply separate definitions, but each dataset highlights his ability to regain possession.
The attacking statistics challenge a familiar criticism
Wan-Bissaka has often faced questions about his influence in the final third. His technique can look less natural than that of more attack-minded full-backs, yet the outcome of his actions tells a different story.
DataMB credits him with a 57.5 per cent crossing accuracy. He also completed 68.75 per cent of his attempted passes into the penalty area, leading the comparison group in both measures.
The issue may concern volume rather than quality. Wan-Bissaka does not attempt as many ambitious crosses or final-third passes as some positional rivals, but he uses the ball effectively when he advances.
Nuno could extract more from those qualities by giving him greater freedom to overlap. A consistent right winger holding width would also create opportunities for Wan-Bissaka to make underlapping runs rather than receiving the ball from a standing position.
Kyle Walker-Peters provides a useful contrast. DataMB places his crossing accuracy at 27.27 per cent, while he completed 52.63 per cent of passes into the box.
Walker-Peters offers cleaner build-up play and greater positional versatility. Wan-Bissaka provides stronger defensive security and more efficient delivery near goal.
Selling Wan-Bissaka would create another recruitment problem
West Ham have already rejected an offer worth around €10million from Lazio. As ReadWestHam previously reported, that proposal fell considerably below the club’s valuation.
The Hammers have since held talks with James Tavernier, although any move for the former Rangers captain depends on Wan-Bissaka leaving.
Tavernier would bring leadership, experience and attacking production. He would also arrive at 34 and could not offer the same recovery pace or long-term security.
West Ham should only consider selling Wan-Bissaka if he requests a transfer or another club meets their full valuation. Even then, the fee must allow Nuno to sign a genuine replacement.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s West Ham future should not be decided by the perception that he offers little going forward. His numbers describe a defender who remains elite without the ball and more productive in possession than his reputation suggests.
