Aston Villa are on the brink of securing a significant transfer coup with the signing of Ivorian forward Evann Guessand from French outfit OGC Nice. Reports out of France indicate an agreement has been reached, which sees the promising striker make his way to the Premier League for a substantial sum of £30.4 million.
The Villans, under the astute guidance of Unai Emery, have had a relatively subdued summer transfer window thus far, having made only a trio of acquisitions, none of whom are expected to immediately impact their first-team plans. Among their recent signings, midfielder Yasin Ozcan was purchased for £5.9 million before being loaned out to Belgian side Anderlecht.
It’s clear that Emery is eager to bolster his attacking options ahead of the Premier League’s return, and the acquisition of Guessand would represent their first major summer capture. Reports from the esteemed French publication L’Equipe confirm that the 24-year-old striker is set to pen a five-year deal, signalling the club’s long-term investment in his potential.
Guessand’s arrival in England is expected by Wednesday, where he will undergo a medical at Villa, ruling him out of Nice’s Champions League qualifier against Benfica. The move, estimated at €35 million, includes bonus payments and marks a milestone in Villa’s summer dealings.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano corroborated the impending transfer, stating via social media, “Aston Villa are closing in on Evann Guessand deal with OGC Nice and player’s camp. Negotiations for €35m fee at final stages with details being sorted between clubs. Player said yes to #AVFC with details of his contract also being finalised.”
The striker impressed last season in Ligue 1 with 12 goals in 33 appearances, highlighting his capability and potential to make an impact in English football. Meanwhile, Villa continue their pursuit of further reinforcements and have reportedly set their sights on Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes, a midfielder who has attracted interest from Leeds United and Atletico Madrid.
As Villa gear up for the 2025/26 season, Guessand’s signing could prove pivotal in strengthening their squad, reflecting Emery’s ambitions to ensure the club competes at the top level in English football.
READ MORE ON THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS: