The midfielder is their first arrival of the summer.

Villa have completed the signing of Johan Manzambi from Freiburg in a £52million club-record deal.

The 20-year-old Switzerland international midfielder has arrived for a fee higher than the £50m the club paid for Amadou Onana two years ago.

Manzambi, who played against Villa in last season’s Europa League final, had looked poised to join Newcastle after they agreed a £49m fee with Freiburg last week.

But Villa swooped in late to hijack the deal and land boss Unai Emery his first signing of the transfer window.

“I’m very excited to be here and to be training with Unai Emery and the team. I am very, very happy and I am excited to play with this club,” said Manzambi.

“It’s a very big club in England and they’re playing in the Champions League. I’ve already played against Aston Villa, and for me, it was the perfect plan."

Manzambi will be quickly followed through the door by Joao Gomes, who is close to completing a £38m switch from Wolves.

The 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder was at Bodymoor Heath on Friday to undergo a medical ahead of sealing the move.

Villa have also held talks with Bayern Munich over signing Portugal international Joao Palhinha on loan to provide further depth in the middle of the park, in what is poised to be a considerable shake-up following the departure of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the loss of Onana to long-term injury.

A move for AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan is progressing and should move further forward next week. The 28-year-old is wanted as a replacement for Lucas Digne, who is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Unai Emery also wants to sign a winger and is a long-term admirer of PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye. Flamengo defender Emerson Royal remains an option to provide cover and competition for Matty Cash at right-back.