The 25-year-old, who moves for £5million, has agreed a three-year deal and will immediately link up with his new team-mates for a pre-season tour of Switzerland.

"I am absolutely delighted to join. I am over the moon. It's taken a while but now it's done I am excited and looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting on the pitch and playing football," Sidwell told the club's website.

"There's been a lot of speculation and rumour about the deal and it has played on my mind a little but I've been professional and kept my head down."

Sidwell endured a frustrating time at Chelsea last season after joining on a free from Reading. He made just 25 appearances, 12 as substitute, as he struggled to break into a high-quality midfield.

Now he is looking forward to getting back to featuring on a regular basis.

straight down

"I am here now and can't wait to put a Villa shirt on and play for the fans. For me personally, it's about getting back and playing," he said.

"I have had a year of not playing as much as I would have liked so to get out on the pitch is the first aim.

"It's straight down to work really. I have already done some pre-season with Chelsea but the hard work starts now.

"I can't wait to get out on the training field and meet my new team-mates. I have heard they are a good bunch of lads.

"I am sure I will settle in fine and I'm sure the players will be fine with me."

The combative midfielder is an Arsenal youth product.

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