Aston Villa have taken their first steps toward strengthening their attacking options by opening discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the potential acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. At the same time, the club has also approached AC Milan to explore the possibility of bringing the talented winger Rafael Leão to the Premier League. These moves come as Villa continue to assess their forward line, especially after Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have shown serious interest in their current front‑man Ollie Watkins. According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal are actively negotiating a deal for Watkins and have already seen at least one of Villa's offers turned down.
The English striker was conspicuously absent from the match‑day squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. When asked why he was missing, manager Unai Emery offered no detailed explanation, replying to Sky Sports, "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 still has a year left on his contract with Crystal Palace, has been on Villa's radar since the winter window.
The 29‑year‑old French forward featured for Palace in their recent 2-0 defeat to Everton. However, sources suggest there is a valuation gap between Villa and Palace that could complicate any deal. While negotiations continue, Villa are also keen on securing Rafael Leão, who has publicly expressed openness to a move to England.
Both clubs – Villa and AC Milan – are currently in contact and aim to hammer out an agreement before the transfer deadline on September 1. Leão, 27, is a versatile attacker capable of playing 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. In addition to Mateta and Leão, Villa have long admired Chelsea winger Nicolas Jackson. Jackson is expected to depart Chelsea before the deadline, with interest also coming from Napoli and several other clubs.
Sky Sports previously reported that Villa might move for Jackson if Watkins is sold to Al Hilal, creating a cascade of potential signings. Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted the urgency of Villa's situation after their dismal 4-0 defeat to Brighton, where manager Unai Emery was forced to deploy Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards.
Watkins' uncertain future left a hole in the squad, while Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo were sidelined with injuries. Emery has watched his Europa League‑winning side unravel over the summer, with departures of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa already confirmed.
Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be next. The club's need for reinforcements before the September 1 deadline is acute.
Rafael Leão would not be a routine signing; he represents a high‑profile addition that could reshape Villa's attacking dynamics. Leão's ability to operate as a central striker, second striker or left winger mirrors the versatility that Morgan Rogers offered before his exit. His pace, power and technical skill make him a natural fit for the Premier League's physical demands.
Although Leão's market value has dipped recently, Emery's track record of reviving players' careers – notably Marcus Rashford at Manchester United – suggests he could reignite the Italian forward's trajectory. Villa can promise Champions League football, a prominent role in the starting eleven, and a platform to showcase his talents on one of the world's biggest stages.
In return, Leão would fill the star‑level void left by recent departures and provide the creative spark Villa's attack has lacked. 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. At Milan he developed well, but frequent managerial changes have affected his consistency.
Working with Unai Emery at Villa could give him the stability and the starring role he deserves." Begović emphasized that Emery's influence has already helped players like Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins elevate their careers, and that Leão could experience a similar boost. 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 an eye on Nicolas Jackson as a potential addition should Watkins depart for Saudi Arabia. The club's strategic aim is to rebuild a forward line capable of competing at the highest level, blending proven Premier League talent with proven European quality. With the transfer window set to close on September 1, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Villa can secure the players they need to revive their season and satisfy an ambitious fan base.