Aston Villa has signed Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand on a contract through 2030. The versatile attacker, formerly of Nice, was a key target despite interest from other clubs. Villa coach Unai Emery played a pivotal role in securing Guessand's commitment to the Premier League team.

Evann Guessand admits his conversations with Unai Emery were key to joining Aston Villa in a deal worth £30 million from Nice. The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Villa after Monchi saw off competition from a number of clubs for his signature.

Aston Villa has made its first major signing of the summer by landing Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand from French club Nice for a reported fee of at least 30 million euros.