Aston Villa offer Evann Guessand as part-payment in Tammy Abraham deal

Aston Villa are exploring creative options in their pursuit of a new striker this month, with reports from Turkey claiming Evann Guessand could be offered as part-payment in a potential deal for Tammy Abraham.

The 28-year-old Abraham has once again been linked with a return to Villa Park, where he enjoyed a prolific loan spell during the 2018/19 season. With Unai Emery currently relying on Ollie Watkins as his only senior, natural centre-forward, Villa are assessing ways to strengthen their attacking depth.

Abraham is currently on loan at Beşiktaş from AS Roma. The Turkish side have an obligation to buy the striker for €13m if certain conditions are met and are reportedly prepared to accelerate that purchase.

According to Turkish outlet Turkiye Gazetesi, Beşiktaş would then be open to selling Abraham for around €20m, a valuation that has prompted Aston Villa to explore alternative structures to make a deal workable.

The same report claims Villa have proposed including Guessand as part of the transaction. Further details have been provided by journalist Fırat Günayer, who states that Villa are prepared to offer the winger on an 18-month loan as part of negotiations.

In addition to the player inclusion, Villa would still be willing to pay a transfer fee for Abraham, with the final structure dependent on the striker agreeing personal terms.

At this stage, there is no indication whether Beşiktaş are receptive to the idea, and talks are described as exploratory rather than advanced.

Guessand arrived at Villa Park last August in a £30m deal but has struggled to secure consistent minutes in Emery’s side. With strong competition in wide attacking areas, the 24-year-old has found opportunities limited and could be deemed expendable if it helps facilitate a priority signing.

The Ivory Coast international is due to return to Birmingham shortly after his country’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations at the quarter-final stage. Guessand featured in all five matches, including the 3–2 defeat to Egypt national football team.

Abraham remains fondly remembered at Villa Park after scoring 26 goals in 46 appearances during his loan from Chelsea in the 2018/19 season, a campaign that played a major role in Villa’s promotion.

This season, Abraham has continued to deliver in Turkey, scoring 12 goals in 25 appearances for Beşiktaş. Two of those goals have come in his last three league outings, underlining his continued effectiveness in front of goal.

Negotiations remain at an early stage, with Villa weighing whether to formalise their proposal. Beşiktaş’s response to the inclusion of Guessand could determine whether talks accelerate. Much will also depend on Abraham’s willingness to accept Villa’s salary offer and Emery’s final assessment of squad balance.

Should Aston Villa sacrifice Evann Guessand to secure Tammy Abraham — or stick with Ollie Watkins as their focal point?