Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore has joined Aston Villa from Lyon on a four-year contract for a fee in the region of £17m.

Traore was part of Lyon’s squad that reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals before crashing out of the competition after losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich in August.

The 25-year-old scored four goals and provided four assists for Lyon across all competitions last season.

“Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Bertrand Traore from Lyon for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance,” read a statement on the club’s website.

“The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international has a strong pedigree with top-level playing experience at Ajax and Chelsea before his move to Lyon three seasons ago, where he has played over 100 games competing for the Ligue 1 title and in the Champions League.

Dean Smith said: “We’re delighted that Bertrand has chosen to come to Villa. He’s a player with immense talent who will really enhance our attacking options.”

And  Traore said he is delighted to join Aston Villa and revealed glowing references from friends already at the club helped play a part in his arrival.

“I’m very happy to join Aston Villa,” he told VillaTV in his first interview.

“I’m happy to be here.”

Traore added: “I played with JT at Chelsea, I spoke to him.

“I spoke to the Manager, spoke with the Sporting Director as well and some players I used to play with – Nakamba and El Ghazi.

“I spoke to Nakamba, I talked to him a little bit about the club. Many things made me take the decision to come here. I’m happy.”