Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has been reacting to the club’s move for midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

The Lowdown: Five-year deal

Villa haven’t wasted any time in preparing for Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge. The club secured a permanent transfer for Philippe Coutinho earlier this month and have now announced a deal for Kamara.

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The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract in the Midlands and will officially become a Villa player when his Marseille contract expires at the end of June.

Kamara, who has recently earned a first senior call-up by France, made 48 appearances in 2021/22 and even captained the Ligue 1 club on multiple occasions.

The Latest: Preece reacts

Preece took to Twitter to give his thoughts on the transfer, describing it as a ‘big, big statement of intent’ due to interest from Atletico Madrid.

The Villa reporter also labelled the move ‘exciting’, with Gerrard ‘getting things in order’ at Villa Park.

The Verdict: Good move

As Preece mentioned, Villa weren’t the only club keen on signing Kamara, so it looks as if they have made an extremely shrewd signing in a position that Gerrard was desperate to strengthen.

Kamara appears to be the ‘specialist No.6’ that the 41-year-old wanted this summer, with NSWE securing a £22.5m-valued midfielder for nothing.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Manchester United and West Ham were also keen on the Frenchman, but it looks as if the pull of working under Gerrard was too good of an opportunity for Kamara to turn down.

In other news: NSWE now eyeing yet another move alongside Kamara; Villa chiefs sent to club after Gerrard approves