Aston Villa have taken their first steps toward bolstering their attacking options by opening discussions with Crystal Palace regarding striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously making an overture to AC Milan about the possible acquisition of winger Rafael Leão. The club’s transfer strategy appears to be focused on securing a reliable goal‑scorer after recent setbacks, and they are also keeping an eye on the Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, which is reportedly eager to secure forward Ollie Watkins. Sky Sports News has indicated that Al Hilal are actively negotiating for Watkins and have already had at least one of Villa's offers turned down.
Watkins was conspicuously absent from the match‑day squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. When asked to comment, manager Unai Emery responded cryptically to Sky Sports, saying, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." Subsequent reports suggest that the England international returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the fixture. Mateta, who has a single year remaining on his contract with 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, keeping him in the public eye. Sources close to the deal claim that a valuation gap between the two clubs is hindering progress, with Villa reportedly valuing him higher than Palace is willing to accept.
In parallel, Villa’s pursuit of Leão appears to be gaining momentum. The Portuguese forward has reportedly shown willingness to consider a move to the Premier League.
Negotiations between Villa and AC Milan are said to be underway, with both sides hoping to reach a consensus before the transfer deadline on September 1. Leão is a versatile attacker capable of operating as a central striker or cutting in from the left wing.
In the 2022‑23 Serie A campaign he recorded nine goals and three assists across 29 appearances, demonstrating both finishing ability and creative flair. Villa view him as a potential replacement for the departing Morgan Rogers, offering similar flexibility across the front line.
The club also maintains a long‑standing interest in Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart the Blues before the deadline. Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and other European sides, but Villa have been linked to a move for him, especially if Watkins is sold to Al Hilal. Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted the depth crisis that forced Villa to deploy Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards during the heavy defeat to Brighton.
With Watkins’ future in limbo, and injuries sidelining Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo, Emery’s squad has been stretched thin. The manager has already seen key members of his Europa League‑winning side leave this summer, including Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa, and there are fears that both Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could follow suit. Villa’s urgency to reinforce the attack before the deadline cannot be overstated. Leão would not be a routine signing; the 27‑year‑old has long been linked with a Premier League move and could fill the creative and goal‑scoring void left by Rogers.
His ability to play as a central forward, second striker, or left‑winger mirrors Rogers’ versatility, allowing him to drive at defenses and threaten the goal from multiple positions. Although Leão’s market value has dipped recently, his potential remains high, reminiscent of how Emery helped accelerate Marcus Rashford’s development at Manchester United. Villa can promise Champions League exposure, a prominent role in the starting eleven, and a platform to showcase his talents in England’s top flight.
For Leão, the move would provide a chance to become a focal point under a manager known for nurturing attacking talent. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, praising the potential deal: "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. At Milan he developed well, but constant managerial changes have affected his consistency.
Working with Emery could take his career to the next level." In summary, Aston Villa are juggling several high‑profile targets as the summer transfer window draws to a close. They are negotiating with Palace for Mateta, courting AC Milan for Leão, monitoring Al Hilal’s interest in Watkins, and keeping an eye on Nicolas Jackson should the opportunity arise. The club’s ability to secure at least one of these players could determine how competitive they are for the upcoming season, especially given the recent squad turnover and the looming September 1 deadline.