Villa set to sign Chelsea’s Jean-Francois

Aston Villa are set to sign Chelsea midfielder Oriane Jean-Francois on a permanent deal for £450,000.

The 24-year-old joined Chelsea from Paris St-Germain in 2024 and Villa’s fee is set to be a club record sale for the Blues.

The France midfielder has struggled to get regular game time at Chelsea, while Villa have shown ambition this season, bringing in Arsenal’s Jenna Nighswonger on loan until the end of the season earlier on Saturday.

Villa are eighth in the Women’s Super League with three wins and four draws from their opening 11 matches.

They have an option to make the move permanent for defender Nighswonger.

The 25-year-old, who was was part of the USA squad that won Olympic gold at Paris 2024, has played only 16 minutes in the WSL this season.

“We have been tracking her for some time and are delighted that she has bought into our exciting project,” said Villa director of women’s football Marisa Ewers.