Evann Guessand set to become first major Aston Villa summer signing after £30m deal agreed

Nice striker Evann Guessand is set to become Aston Villa’s first major signing of the summer after a deal of £30.5m was agreed between the two clubs.

The France-born Ivory Coast international, who scored 12 goals in 32 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, is due to complete his medical at the Premier League club on Wednesday.

Villa’s activity in the summer transfer window has been somewhat restricted, with the club having to remain wary of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations.

However, the 24-year-old would be a welcome addition to Unai Emery’s attacking options, with England forward Ollie Watkins, who has been the target of recent interest from several clubs, currently the club’s only recognised striker.

Emery’s only other first-team signing so far is the experienced goalkeeper Marco Bizot, signed from Brest as uncertainty grows over the future of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Villa, who finished sixth last season to qualify for the Europa League, open their Premier League campaign at home to Newcastle United on Saturday, 16 August (12:30 UK time).

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