The transfer will cost an initial £23.5M, potentially rising to almost £28m if bonuses are met and he has signed a contract until 2030. Guessand scored 12 goals last term and was named player of the season as Nice finished fourth in France's Ligue 1 which clearly caught the eye of Emery.
Joining Villa is a dream come true
The Ivory Coast international joins despite lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League and interest from Wolves earlier this summer. Speaking to the club website, he explained how the move is a dream come true and that he cannot wait to make the fans proud.
“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.”
Where is Guessand's best position?
Guessand is a versatile asset and can help Emery in a number of ways in attack. However, when asked where his best position is he revealed where Emery should consider starting him as he prepares to make an impact in the Premier League.
“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.
The 24-year-old will wear the No.29 shirt throughout the 2025/26 season and he Villa's second first-team signing of the summer, following the acquisition of goalkeeper Marco Bizot from French club Brest.