Aston Villa have taken the first steps toward bolstering their attacking options by opening discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the possible acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. At the same time, the club has also signaled its interest to AC Milan in order to negotiate a transfer for the talented winger Rafael Leão.
The pursuit of Mateta comes as Villa continue to evaluate their forward line, especially after reports emerged that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are aggressively pursuing striker Ollie Watkins. Sky Sports News confirmed that the Saudi Pro League outfit have entered talks with Villa about Watkins and that at least one of their offers has already been turned down. Watkins was notably absent from the squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. When asked about the omission, manager Unai Emery replied to Sky Sports with a cryptic "Ask him.
I can only answer with silence," leaving fans to speculate about the striker's future. Subsequent reports indicated that Watkins returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the Brighton fixture. The situation underscores the uncertainty surrounding his contract and the club's desire to secure a replacement should he depart for the Middle East.
Mateta, who has a single year remaining on his contract with Crystal Palace, has been on Villa's radar since at least the winter transfer window. The 29-year-old featured for Palace in their 2-0 defeat to Everton over the weekend, reminding Villa scouts of his experience in the Premier League. However, sources suggest a valuation gap exists between Villa and Palace, complicating any potential deal.
In parallel, Villa's interest in Rafael Leão appears to be gaining momentum. The 27-year-old forward, who can operate as a central striker or on the left flank, recorded nine goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season. Leão has reportedly expressed openness to a move to England, and Villa and Milan are now in direct contact to negotiate terms before the September 1 transfer deadline.
Leão's versatility mirrors that of former Villa forward Morgan Rogers, offering the club a player capable of occupying multiple attacking roles – central striker, second striker, or left winger. While his market value has dipped recently, Villa's manager Unai Emery believes the player could thrive under his guidance, much as Emery helped Marcus Rashford develop at Manchester United.
Villa can promise Leão regular Premier League action, the chance to play in the Champions League, and a prominent role in a team eager to rebuild after a turbulent summer that saw the departure of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa. The club also maintains a long-standing interest in Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to leave his current club before the deadline. Jackson is also being pursued by Napoli and several other European sides. Sky Sports previously reported that Villa might move for Jackson if Watkins' transfer to Al Hilal goes through, indicating a broader strategy to refresh their attacking options.
Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted Villa's makeshift forward line during the Brighton defeat, noting that Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley were forced into striker roles. 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 watched his Europa League-winning team fragment over the summer, and there is a palpable sense of urgency to secure reinforcements before the deadline. Leão would not be a simple addition; he would fill the creative and goal‑scoring void left by the exits of key players.
His ability to drive at defenses, combine with teammates, and finish from various positions aligns with Villa's need for a multi‑dimensional attacker. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović, speaking on Sky Sports, praised Leão's potential, stating: "He has the pace, power and skill to excel in the Premier League.
He developed well at Milan, but managerial changes affected his consistency. Under Emery, he could become a star for Villa." Emery's track record of nurturing talent, combined with Villa's ambition to return to the upper echelons of English football, makes the Leão pursuit a logical step. If the club can secure both Watkins' departure to Al Hilal and the signings of Mateta and Leão, they would address immediate gaps while also adding depth for the long term.
The next few weeks will be crucial as negotiations intensify, valuations are debated, and the transfer window ticks down toward its September 1 deadline. Fans are encouraged to stay updated via the Sky Sports app and WhatsApp channels for the latest developments on Villa's transfer activity.
The club's strategic moves this window could shape its competitive trajectory for the coming season, potentially restoring Villa to a position of contention in both domestic and European competitions.