Aston Villa complete signing of Ivory Coast forward
Aston Villa have completed the signing of forward Evann Guessand.
The 24-year-old has joined for an initial fee of £22million from French side OGC Nice, which could rise near to £30million with add-ons.
Guessand scored 12 goals last season and set-up eight more and has the ability to play as a striker or out wide.
It is understood he was on Villa's radar for several months, while he was also linked with Wolves earlier in the summer.
Unai Emery, who personally spoke to the player last weekend as he convinced him to join, sees Guessand as a potential back-up to Ollie Watkins but his ability to play across the front line was also desired.
His arrival could see teenager Zepiqueno Redmond sent out on loan.
Guessand said: “Really happy to be here. I was waiting for this moment since a long time ago, and now I’m just excited to start the game, see the fans, and my team-mates, start to train with them.
“I was watching the games of Aston Villa in the last seasons, and after that we started talking with the coach.
“To be honest, our talks were the main point, because he really is the person who convinced me to come here, and of course we know the career of this coach.
“A long time ago, I saw him in the French league, and he’s known for the way he used to improve the players he used to work with, so I was thinking about this.
“I’m a young player and I want to improve. I have many qualities that can improve, so when I spoke with the coach, I (knew) this is the right coach for me to become better and better.”
The Ivorian is now looking forward to playing at Villa Park with the new Premier League season just around the corner.
He added: “I can say a player which is fast, strong, I can have skills as well.
“I can say I’m a versatile player. I’m tall and a bit strong. Most players like me play No.9, but I can play, 11, 7, 9, 10.
“I’ve not (got) a specific position on the field, but I would say around the striker is where I feel the most comfortable.
“If the coach puts me in the No.9 or on the wing, I will play, because I feel comfortable everywhere.
“I have to be ready. In my head, is just meet the fans, see the atmosphere.
“Many people talk about the atmosphere in the stadium, and I saw some video last season from the game against PSG. The fans were crazy.
“I just want to meet the fans and my team-mates. I just want to start it and live my dream.”
