Ollie Watkins saga takes fresh twist as Aston Villa confirm transfer decision

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Evann Guessand - prompting further questions over the future of Ollie Watkins. A number of Premier League clubs have explored the prospect of landing England striker Watkins this summer, but any move was thought to be off the table without a replacement in place.

Ivorian international Guessand could end up being that replacement. The 24-year-old, who can play across the front line, has joined from Nice in a deal worth around £26million.

He scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season, adding nine assists, and also scored once in the Europa League. Explaining his decision to join Villa, the Corsica-born frontman pointed to the influence of manager Unai Emery.

“I was watching the games of Aston Villa in the last seasons, and after that we started talking with the coach," Guessand told club media. “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.”

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Arsenal were linked with Watkins back in January but have since turned their attentions to other targets, with Viktor Gyokeres joining for north of £60m. Manchester United have also appeared keen, but are now poised to bring Benjamin Sesko to Old Trafford.

One of those clubs could yet decide Watkins is still useful to them, though, while Newcastle remains an option. The Magpies are closing in on Yoane Wissa, according to Sky Sports, but could push for a second attacking addition with Callum Wilson joining West Ham and Alexander Isak potentially still in line for a Liverpool switch.

Guessand is Villa's fourth summer signing of the window. Young Dutch forward Zepiqueno Redmond has joined from Feyenoord, with Emery's side also adding goalkeeper Marco Bizot and centre-back Yasin Ozcan - though the Turkish international has immediately headed to Anderlecht on loan.

A number of fringe players have left, either permanently or on loan, while failure to qualify for the Champions League has left Villa unable to clinch permanent deals for last season's loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. Rashford has now joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, while Asensio is back at parent club Paris Saint-Germain - for now, at least.

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