Aston Villa have opened preliminary discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the possible acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Matéta, while simultaneously making overtures to AC Milan in an attempt to secure the services of winger Rafael Leão. The club is actively evaluating its attacking options as it contends with external interest in its current forward, Ollie Watkins, who appears to be a target for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal are in advanced negotiations to bring Watkins to Saudi Arabia and have already seen at least one of their offers turned down by Villa.
Watkins was conspicuously absent from the matchday squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. When asked to comment on his omission, manager Unai Emery responded cryptically to Sky Sports, saying, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." Subsequent reports indicated that the England international returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the fixture. Matéta, who has a single year remaining on his contract with Palace, has been on Villa's radar since the winter window.
The 29-year-old featured for Palace in their 2-0 defeat to Everton over the weekend. Sources suggest that a valuation gap exists between Villa and Palace, complicating any potential deal.
Meanwhile, Villa's pursuit of Leão appears to be gaining momentum, with the Portuguese forward reportedly open to a move to the Premier League. Both clubs are now in contact and aim to hammer out an agreement 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 his ability to contribute both in scoring and creating chances.
Villa have long admired Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart his current club before the deadline, though he also attracts interest from Napoli and other suitors. Sky Sports previously reported that Villa might trigger a move for Jackson if Watkins' transfer to Al Hilal materialises. Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted Villa's makeshift forward line in the Brighton defeat, noting that Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley were forced into attacking roles.
Watkins' uncertain future left a void, while Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo were sidelined with injuries. Emery has watched his Europa League-winning squad fragment over the summer, with departures including Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa. Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be the next to exit.
The club faces a pressing need to reinforce its ranks before the September 1 deadline. Leão would not be a routine signing; the 27-year-old has been linked with Premier League moves for some time and could replace the creative output and positional flexibility that Rogers provided.
Leão can function as a central striker, second striker, or left winger, mirroring Rogers' ability to press defenses and threaten goal from multiple angles. Although his market value has dipped recently, Emery's track record of reviving players' careers—most notably Marcus Rashford—suggests he could rejuvenate Leão's trajectory. Villa can offer Champions League exposure, a guaranteed starting role, and a high-profile platform in England's top flight.
For Leão, the move would present a chance to become a marquee player under Emery, filling the star-quality gap left by recent departures. 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've played with him and seen his pace, power and skill firsthand.
He is perfectly suited to the Premier League. His talent, physical attributes and game intelligence would thrive here. At Milan he developed well, surrounded by senior players, but frequent managerial changes have disrupted his consistency. Working with Emery could give him the stability and platform he needs to excel." In summary, Aston Villa are juggling multiple transfer narratives: negotiating with Palace for Matéta, courting AC Milan for Leão, monitoring Al Hilal's pursuit of Watkins, and keeping an eye on Nicolas Jackson's availability.
The club must act swiftly to secure the necessary reinforcements before the deadline, balancing financial considerations with the ambition to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.