Aston Villa have reportedly won the hotly-contested race to sign Nice attacker Evann Guessand.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Villa have faced uncertainty over their options in the final third, not helped by the need to comply with the Premier League's and UEFA's financial regulations.
Furthermore, the future of Ollie Watkins remains up in the air, a consequence of the England international being viewed as a potential route to easing such issues.
However, with Marcus Rashford having not been signed on a permanent basis, Unai Emery has been in desperate need of a suitable alternative.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard will soon be able to call upon Guessand in his Villa squad.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery pictured on April 12, 2025
Villa win Guessand race
The report claims that the West Midlands outfit have agreed to pay €30m (£26.11m) plus €5m (£4.35m) in add-ons for a player who has been in demand since the end of 2024-25.
Guessand contributed 12 goals and nine assists from 33 appearances in Ligue 1 during 2024-25, by far the best return in a single campaign during his career.
He was used on both flanks and down the middle, but his best form came from the right wing where he chipped in with eight goals and six assists from just 16 matches.
In recent weeks, Crystal Palace, Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fenerbahce have been among the clubs who have pushed for the 24-year-old.
Instead, it will be Villa who acquire his signature, making it their first outfield addition of the summer transfer window just under two weeks before their first Premier League fixture against Newcastle United.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier pictured on April 19, 2025
A Watkins teammate or replacement?
Only time will tell if Emery is needed to call upon Guessand to replace Watkins, but he has hardly been prolific when used as a central striker.
Just two goals and one assist came from 10 such outings in France's top flight during 2024-25. Both of the strikes came in the same match versus Angers.
During his career in Ligue 1 as a number nine, Guessand has only contributed seven goals and three assists from 33 appearances.
While his versatility can be an asset to Emery, supporters should not expect the Ivory Coast international to be a regular down the middle anytime soon.
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