Aston Villa have opened preliminary discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the possible acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Matena, while simultaneously reaching out to AC Milan about the prospect of signing winger Rafael Leão. The club’s transfer strategy appears to be focused on bolstering its attacking options, especially as Al Hilal from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly making a strong push to secure forward Ollie Watkins. According to Sky Sports News, the Saudi side have entered negotiations for Watkins and have already seen at least one of their offers turned down. Watkins was notably absent from Villa's matchday squad for the 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
When asked to comment on his omission, manager Unai Emery replied to Sky Sports, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence," offering no further explanation at the time.
Subsequent reports indicate that the England international returned to training on Monday and issued an apology to his teammates for missing the fixture. Matena, 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 recent 2-0 defeat to Everton. Sources suggest there is a valuation gap between the two clubs, which could complicate any deal before the September 1 deadline.
In parallel, Villa are said to be serious about pursuing Leão, who has reportedly shown openness to a move to the Premier League. Negotiations between Villa and Milan are said to be underway, with both sides hoping to reach an agreement before the transfer window closes. Leão is a versatile attacker capable of playing as a central striker or on the left wing; 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 also expressed long‑term interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to leave the Blues before the deadline and is being chased by Napoli and several other clubs. Sky Sports previously reported that Villa might move for Jackson if Watkins is transferred to Al Hilal. Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted that Villa were forced to rely on Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards during the heavy defeat to Brighton, with Watkins missing due to uncertainty over his future and both Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo sidelined through injury.
Emery has watched his Europa League‑winning squad dismantle over the summer, with departures such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa, and the potential exits of Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez looming. The club urgently needs reinforcements 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 operate as a central forward, second striker or left‑winger, mirroring Rogers' capacity to drive at defenses and threaten the goal from multiple areas. Although his market value has dipped recently, Emery’s track record of revitalising players—most notably Marcus Rashford—suggests he could unlock Leão's potential. Villa can offer Champions League football, a guaranteed starting role and a high‑profile platform in England’s top flight.
For Leão, the move would provide a chance to become a marquee player under a manager who has demonstrated an ability to elevate talent. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, praising the potential deal: "It 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 frequent managerial changes have affected his consistency. Working with Emery at Villa could give him the stability and role he needs to thrive." Beyond the immediate transfer targets, Villa must also consider squad depth.
The club’s recent injury list has exposed a lack of quality alternatives up front, and the departure of key players could leave them thin in crucial positions. Securing a forward like Leão, alongside a potential addition such as Jackson, would not only address the scoring deficit but also add tactical versatility for Emery’s varied formations. In summary, Aston Villa are actively pursuing multiple attacking options: they have initiated contact with Crystal Palace over Matena, are negotiating with AC Milan for Leão, and are monitoring the situation with Watkins in Saudi Arabia.
The club’s ambition is clear—reinforce the frontline, replace outgoing talent, and position themselves as genuine contenders in the Premier League and European competitions ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.