Aston Villa Signs Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG for £47m

Aston Villa have struck a verbal agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign highly rated winger Ibrahim Mbaye in a deal worth around £47m, as Unai Emery’s reshaped squad takes on an even bolder look.

The 18-year-old, who operates mainly from the right, is set to swap Ligue 1 for the Premier League after making 24 league appearances for PSG last season, scoring three times and providing two assists. Villa moved decisively for Mbaye after missing out on AC Milan forward Rafa Leao, who is heading to Galatasaray.

Premier League clubs have been circling Mbaye for months. Villa were among the sides tracking him in the spring, while Liverpool also explored a move this summer before switching their focus to his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola. Villa, though, are the ones closing in.

Emery’s rebuild gathers pace

Mbaye’s arrival comes in the middle of a turbulent summer at Villa Park. Key figures Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne have all gone, with Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez also expected to leave.

Villa have responded with a flurry of signings. Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi, Leon Goretzka, Joao Gomes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri are already through the door. A deal is also in place for Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, now followed by the agreement for Mbaye.

Speaking before Villa’s trip to Arsenal on Monday Night Football, Emery made it clear the churn is part of a broader plan rather than a fire sale.

“We took some decisions because it's good for the club. We tried to compete as good as possible, but some situations are clear,” he said.

“It's the right way and decision. We don't want to be a club to sell players, but our responsibility is there. For the club it's a good deal.

“It's not changing our priorities to be competitive. We must be the same. Strong development with the players.

“I am confident and positive. The players we are signing are good players. We need to get balance with experience and players with huge potential.

“Of course, I want to keep some players, the ones who help us to be successful. But I accept it because I have experience before in the same situation.

“I expect to continue to do special and different ways. The objective is to get progressively in the same way. We will need time.”

Watkins out, Jackson in

The most emotional twist of Villa’s window has involved Watkins. Emery confirmed the striker’s departure and the imminent arrival of Jackson in his press conference.

Watkins is set to join Al Hilal in a £50m move after missing the defeat to Brighton. Emery revealed the forward had apologised for his actions.

“Watkins said sorry after Brighton. He made a mistake. He always had good behaviour in the club and with me. He's a fantastic guy. I told him 'bye', with a huge hug and a small cry.

“Now it's a new chapter with Nicolas Jackson. Of course, all the best for him in Saudi. We are replacing him.”

Jackson’s £65m transfer from Chelsea is almost complete, with only final formalities left after his medical on Thursday. Emery was asked if the striker would be available in time to face Arsenal.

“Hopefully,” he replied.

So Villa move into the new season with a frontline rebuilt on the fly, a teenage winger from PSG about to land, and a manager convinced that upheaval now will mean power later. The question is simple: how quickly can this new-look side turn potential into points?