West Ham show last-ditch interest in deal to sign Bournemouth's Max Aarons

West Ham United are eyeing a deadline-beating move for Max Aarons.

Nuno Espirito Santo has only signed one new defender this summer in Joel Veltman.

The experienced ex-Brighton man can play at right-back or in central defence, but more depth down the flank could be needed.

West Ham's defence has been poor to start the 2026-27 season, potentially prompting Hammers chiefs into some last-minute transfer business.

And now, Bournemouth defender Aarons could be a late candidate for a move to the London Stadium.

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Who are West Ham battling for Max Aarons signing?

According to The Sun transfer reporter Ekrem Konur via X, West Ham are registering late interest in signing Aarons.

However, Leeds United are also claimed to be hunting a deal for the 26-year-old.

Konur claims that all options are on the table for Aarons, who has been with Bournemouth since 2023.

That includes the possibility of him staying and fighting for his place at the Vitality Stadium.

But do West Ham really need Aarons, and what sort of player is he?

Why Aarons could be shrewd signing for West Ham

Things haven't worked out for Aarons with Bournemouth, and a fresh start feels like it's needed for him.

However, he has proven himself to be a quality player at Championship level with Norwich City towards the start of his senior career.

Indeed, he's played 131 times in England's second tier, as well as racking up 93 appearances at Premier League level, per Transfermarkt.

A right-sided player by trade, Aarons is also comfortable operating down the left, and could be very useful to Nuno for his versatility.

So, with the Hammers perhaps a tad light at the full-back positions, the ex-England youth international could be very clever addition.