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.

Aston Villa 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 ($35 million) on Friday. The 24-year-old Guessand scored 13 goals in total last season playing mainly as a winger and was named Nice's player of the season.

Able to play central striker or on either flank, Guessand chimes with the profile of versatile attacker that Unai Emery loves to work with