Aston Villa Set to Land Evann Guessand in Major Summer Signing
Aston Villa are on the verge of securing a major attacking reinforcement, with OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand reportedly set for a move to the Premier League club in a deal worth around £30 million. The 24-year-old Ivorian is expected to sign a five-year contract, with his medical scheduled for Wednesday. This marks Villa’s most significant move of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Villa Break Transfer Silence with Guessand Deal
Unai Emery’s side has been relatively quiet in the current transfer window, making just three signings so far—none of whom are projected to play key roles this season. The only player signed for a disclosed fee has been Turkish defender Yasin Özcan for £5.9 million, who was immediately loaned out to Anderlecht.
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Emery has been eager to strengthen his attacking options—and now appears to have landed his man.
Agreement Reached with OGC Nice
According to French outlet L’Équipe, Aston Villa and OGC Nice have reached a full agreement for the transfer of Guessand. The reported fee stands at €35 million (approximately £30.4 million), including bonuses. Guessand is due in Birmingham on Wednesday to complete his medical, ruling him out of Nice’s upcoming Champions League qualifier against Benfica.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the deal is in its final stages. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Romano noted that the player has already said “yes” to the move and that only minor contract details remain to be finalized.
Guessand’s Impressive Form at Nice
Guessand enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign in Ligue 1, scoring 12 goals across 33 appearances. Known for his pace, physicality, and eye for goal, the Ivorian forward offers the kind of direct attacking threat Emery has been seeking.
If the move goes through as expected, Guessand would become the most high-profile addition to Villa’s squad this summer and a likely challenger for a starting spot up front.
Villa Eyeing More Additions
Villa’s transfer business may not end with Guessand. The club is reportedly exploring a move for Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese talent, who impressed despite the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, has attracted interest from Leeds United and Atletico Madrid.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Fernandes is eager to return to top-flight football and would welcome a move to Villa Park. Talks are expected to progress further in the coming days.
