Aston Villa have taken the first steps toward securing Crystal Palace striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously opening negotiations with AC Milan about a possible transfer for winger Rafael Leão. The club’s recruitment department is actively evaluating its attacking options, especially as Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal intensifies its pursuit of forward Ollie Watkins. According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal have entered advanced discussions with Villa about acquiring Watkins and have already seen at least one of their offers turned down. The English striker was conspicuously absent from the squad that suffered a 4‑0 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
When asked why he was missing, manager Unai Emery responded cryptically to Sky Sports, saying, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." Subsequent reports indicated that Watkins returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for his unexplained absence. Mateta, who is under contract with Palace for another year, has been on Villa’s radar since the winter window. The 29‑year‑old featured for Palace in their 2‑0 defeat to Everton last weekend, reminding Villa scouts of his physical presence and goal‑scoring instincts.
However, sources suggest a valuation gap exists between Villa and Palace, complicating any immediate deal. In parallel, Villa’s interest in Leão appears to be gaining momentum. The Portuguese forward has reportedly shown a willingness to consider a move to the Premier League.
Villa and Milan are now in direct contact and aim to hammer out an agreement before the September 1 transfer deadline. Leão is a versatile attacker who can operate as a central striker or on the left flank; he recorded nine goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season, underscoring his capacity to contribute both goals and creativity. Villa have also long admired Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart his current club before the deadline. Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other sides, but Villa remain keen, especially if Watkins departs for Al Hilal.
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe noted that Villa were forced to rely on Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards during the heavy defeat to Brighton, highlighting the urgency of bolstering the attacking line‑up. Emery’s squad, which lifted the Europa League trophy last season, has been dramatically reshaped over the summer. Key players such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have already left, and there are fears that Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could follow suit. The club’s hierarchy recognises that without fresh talent the team will struggle to compete on multiple fronts.
Leão would not be a routine signing. The 27‑year‑old has been linked with the Premier League for several seasons and could provide the kind of dynamism Villa lost with Rogers’ departure.
His ability to play as a central forward, second striker or left‑winger mirrors Rogers’ versatility, offering Emery a player capable of stretching defences, cutting inside and delivering decisive finishes. Although Leão’s market value has dipped recently, Emery’s track record of reviving careers—most notably Marcus Rashford’s rise at Manchester United—suggests he could extract the best from the Portuguese forward.
From Villa’s perspective, the appeal is clear: they can promise Leão regular Premier League football, a prominent role in the starting eleven and the chance to showcase his talent on a global stage. For Leão, joining a club with Champions League ambitions and a manager eager to rebuild could reignite his form and consistency, which have been hampered by frequent managerial changes at Milan. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, describing a potential Leão move as "great news for Villa fans." He praised the winger’s pace, power and technical skill, arguing that his physical attributes would translate well to English football. Begović also highlighted how Milan’s shifting managerial landscape may have disrupted Leão’s development, suggesting that a stable environment under Emery could unlock his full potential.
In summary, Aston Villa are juggling multiple transfer targets as the deadline looms. They are negotiating with Crystal Palace for Mateta, courting AC Milan for Leão, and keeping a watchful eye on the outcome of Al Hilal’s bid for Ollie Watkins.
The club’s urgency is underscored by recent injury setbacks—Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo are sidelined, and the team’s makeshift forward line struggled against Brighton. If Villa can secure at least one of these high‑profile attackers, they will significantly strengthen their squad ahead of the new season and mitigate the risk of further departures. Fans can stay updated via the Sky Sports app, WhatsApp service, and the club’s official channels as the transfer window draws to a close on September 1.