Aston Villa have taken the first step in opening discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously reaching out to AC Milan about the possible signing of winger Rafael Leão. The club’s transfer strategy appears to be focused on bolstering its attacking options, especially as reports suggest that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are aggressively courting Villa forward Ollie Watkins.
According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal have entered negotiations with Villa over Watkins and have already seen at least one of their offers turned down. Watkins was conspicuously absent from the match‑day squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. When asked about his omission, manager Unai Emery replied to Sky Sports, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." The silence was later broken by reports that the England international returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the game.
Mateta, who still has a 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, underscoring his continued involvement at the top level of the Premier League. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that a valuation gap exists between Villa and Palace, which could complicate any potential deal. In parallel, Villa are said to be serious about securing Leão, who has reportedly shown a willingness to consider a move to England.
Both clubs are currently in contact, and they aim to iron out the details before the transfer deadline on September 1. Leão is a versatile attacker capable of operating as a central striker or on the left flank. He recorded nine goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season, demonstrating both scoring instinct and creative ability.
Villa have also long admired Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart his current club before the deadline. Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other European sides, but Villa could move for him if Watkins is sold to Al Hilal, according to earlier Sky Sports reports.
Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted the challenges Villa faced in the Brighton defeat, noting that Emery was forced to deploy Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards. Watkins' uncertain future left a void, while Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo were sidelined with injuries. The club has seen a significant turnover this summer, with Europa League winners Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa already departing.
Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be next. The urgency to reinforce the squad before the September 1 deadline cannot be overstated. Leão would not be a routine addition; he brings a blend of pace, technical skill and physical presence that could elevate Villa's attacking dynamics. The 27‑year‑old has long been linked with a Premier League move and could fill the creative and goal‑scoring gap left by the exit of players like Rogers.
His ability to function as a central striker, second striker or left‑winger mirrors Rogers' versatility, offering Emery a flexible option to reshape the front line. Although Leão's market value has dipped recently, Emery has a track record of revitalising talent, as seen with his influence on Marcus Rashford's development. Villa can promise him Champions League exposure, a guaranteed starting role and a platform to showcase his abilities in one of the world's most competitive leagues.
For Villa, securing Leão would address a star‑level deficiency created by recent departures and provide a marquee signing that could excite the fanbase. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, praising the potential move: "This would be fantastic news for Villa fans.
Rafael Leão would be an incredible signing. I've played with him and seen his pace, power and skill firsthand. He is perfectly suited to the Premier League. His development at Milan was solid, but frequent managerial changes have affected his consistency.
Working with Emery at Villa could give him the stability and role he needs to thrive." Beyond the immediate transfer targets, Villa's broader recruitment plan appears to hinge on a cascade of moves. If Watkins departs for Al Hilal, the club could free up significant wages and transfer funds to pursue both Jackson and Leão. Simultaneously, the Mateta pursuit offers a more immediate strike option should the club decide to reinforce its central attacking threat.
In summary, Aston Villa are actively engaging with multiple clubs to reshape their attacking unit ahead of the summer window's close. They have opened talks with Crystal Palace over Mateta, approached AC Milan for Leão, and are monitoring the situation surrounding Nicolas Jackson. The club's ability to navigate valuation gaps, manage player departures and secure key signings will determine whether they can compete at the highest level in the upcoming season. The next few weeks will be crucial as negotiations intensify and the deadline looms.