Aston Villa have intensified their transfer activity, signalling a serious intent to bring Portuguese winger Rafael Leão to the club while also opening discussions with Crystal Palace over the acquisition of French striker Jean-Philippe Matéta. The English side are juggling multiple forward options as they confront a potential exodus of key attackers, including the possibility that Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal may lure striker Ollie Watkins away.
Sky Sports News reported that Al Hilal are actively negotiating a deal for Watkins and have already had at least one bid turned down. Watkins was conspicuously absent from Villa's matchday squad for their 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
When asked about the omission, manager Unai Emery offered a terse response, saying, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." Subsequent reports indicated that the England international returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the fixture. Matéta, who has a single year remaining on his contract with Crystal Palace, has been on Villa's radar since the winter window. The 29-year-old featured for Palace in their 2-0 defeat to Everton over the weekend, demonstrating that he remains match-fit and eager to contribute.
However, sources suggest a valuation gap between Villa and Palace could complicate any immediate move. The club's pursuit of Leão appears even more urgent. The 27-year-old Milan winger has publicly expressed openness to a Premier League transfer, and Villa have already entered preliminary talks with the Italian side.
Negotiations are expected to accelerate as the September 1 deadline looms, with both clubs aiming to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement before the window shuts. Leão is a versatile attacker capable of operating as a central striker or on the left flank.
In the 2022-23 Serie A season he recorded nine goals and three assists across 29 appearances, showcasing a blend of pace, technical skill and an eye for goal. His ability to adapt to multiple attacking roles makes him an attractive target for Emery, who is looking to replace the departing Morgan Rogers and add depth across the forward line. Villa have also kept an eye on Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, another player expected to leave his current club before the deadline. Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other European teams, but Villa would likely move for him only if Watkins departs for Al Hilal, creating a financial window for the club.
Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted the challenges Villa faced in their recent heavy defeat to Brighton, where they were forced to deploy Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards. The absence of Watkins, coupled with injuries to Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo, left the team severely short of attacking options.
Emery has watched his Europa League-winning squad disintegrate over the summer, with departures of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa already confirmed, and further exits such as Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez still possible. The urgency for reinforcements cannot be overstated.
Leão would not be a routine signing; he brings a level of quality and flexibility that could help Villa rebuild their attacking framework. His capacity to play as a central striker, second striker or left winger mirrors the versatility that Rogers offered before his departure, providing Emery with a player who can both drive at defences and contribute goals from varied positions. Although Leão's market value has dipped somewhat in recent months, his potential remains high.
Emery has a proven track record of reviving players' careers, as evidenced by his work with Marcus Rashford at Manchester United and the development of several Villa talents. A move to Villa would grant Leão regular Premier League football, a prominent role in the starting eleven and the chance to showcase his abilities on a larger stage, while Villa would gain a forward capable of filling the star-quality void left by recent exits. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, praising the prospect of Leão joining Villa. He said, "This would be fantastic news for Villa fans.
Rafael Leão would be an incredible signing. I have played with him and seen his pace, power and skill.
He is perfectly suited to the Premier League. His talent and physical attributes would thrive here." Begović added that Leão's development at Milan was aided by senior teammates and consistent coaching, but recent managerial changes have disrupted his consistency. He likened the situation to Emery's impact at Villa, noting how the manager has helped players like Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins elevate their careers.
"If Rafael Leão works with Emery and becomes a key player at Villa, it would be huge," Begović concluded. In summary, Aston Villa are actively pursuing multiple attacking options to rebuild their squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. Their primary targets include Rafael Leão, whose versatility and proven Serie A record make him a prime candidate to replace departing forwards, Jean-Philippe Matéta, who could bolster the strike force if Palace can be satisfied on valuation, and potentially Nicolas Jackson, should financial conditions allow.
The club's ability to secure these players will determine whether they can remain competitive in the Premier League and avoid a further exodus of talent during this critical transfer window.