Aston Villa have taken the first step toward securing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously opening discussions with AC Milan regarding the possible acquisition of winger Rafael Leão. These moves form part of a broader strategy by the club to bolster its attacking options as it prepares for the upcoming transfer window. The Villa board is actively evaluating several forward prospects, especially after reports emerged that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are keen to sign current Villa striker Ollie Watkins. Sky Sports News indicated that Al Hilal have entered negotiations for Watkins and that at least one of their offers has already been turned down.
Watkins was omitted from the matchday squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. When questioned about the omission, manager Unai Emery replied cryptically to Sky Sports, saying, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." Subsequent reports suggested that Watkins returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for his unexplained absence.
Mateta, who has a single year remaining on his contract with Crystal Palace, has been on Villa's radar since at least the winter window. The 29‑year‑old featured for Palace in their 2-0 defeat to Everton over the weekend. Sources close to the deal say there is a valuation gap between Villa and Palace, which could complicate negotiations. Nonetheless, Villa remain determined to make progress before the September 1 deadline.
In parallel, Villa's interest in Rafael Leão appears to be gaining momentum. The Portuguese forward, who can operate as a central striker or on the left flank, recorded nine goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season. Leão has reportedly expressed a willingness to consider a move to England, and Villa and Milan are now in direct contact to hammer out the terms of a potential transfer before the deadline. Leão's versatility mirrors that of former Villa forward Morgan Rogers, offering the club a player capable of playing as a lone striker, a second striker, or a left‑winger.
His ability to drive at defenses and contribute both goals and assists would provide a valuable alternative to the creative output that has been missing since Rogers' departure. While his market value has dipped slightly in recent months, Villa could present an attractive package: regular Premier League football, the chance to play in the Champions League, and a prominent role in Unai Emery's side. Villa have also been monitoring Chelsea winger Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to leave the Blues before the deadline.
Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other clubs, but Villa could move for him if Watkins' transfer to Al Hilal is completed. This scenario would allow Villa to replace Watkins with a high‑profile winger while still adding depth to the forward line. Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted the challenges Villa faced in the Brighton match, noting that Emery was forced to deploy Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards after Watkins' absence and injuries to Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo. The loss underscored the urgent need for reinforcements, especially as the club's Europa League‑winning squad continues to be dismantled over the summer.
Players such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have already departed, and Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be next. The potential signing of Leão would not be a routine addition; the 27‑year‑old has long been linked with a Premier League move and could fill the creative and physical void left by Rogers' exit. His skill set—pace, power, technical ability, and the capacity to operate across the front line—aligns well with Emery's tactical vision.
Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović praised Leão on Sky Sports, stating, "It would be great news for Villa fans. Rafael Leão would be an incredible signing.
I have played with him and seen his potential, speed, power and skill. He is perfectly suited to the Premier League." Begović added that Leão's development at Milan was hampered by frequent managerial changes, which disrupted his consistency.
He believes that under Emery, Leão could finally achieve the stability needed to thrive, much like how Emery helped Marcus Rashford's career at Manchester United. Begović concluded, "Rafael Leão, working with Emery and becoming a key player at Villa, would be huge." In summary, Aston Villa are actively pursuing multiple attacking options ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. They have initiated talks with Crystal Palace for Mateta, are negotiating with AC Milan for Leão, and are monitoring the situation surrounding Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins.
The club's ability to secure one or more of these targets will be crucial to rebuilding a competitive squad capable of challenging for domestic honours and European competition in the coming season.