Aston Villa have opened preliminary discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the possible acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Matéta, while at the same time they have reached out to AC Milan to explore the signing of dynamic winger Rafael Leão. These moves form part of a broader strategy by the club to bolster its attacking options ahead of the upcoming transfer window. The Villa board is actively reviewing its forward line, especially after Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal made a concerted effort to secure the services of Ollie Watkins.
Sky Sports News reported that Al Hilal are currently in negotiations with the English forward and that at least one of their offers has already been turned down. Watkins was conspicuously absent from Villa's matchday squad for the 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
When pressed for an explanation, manager Unai Emery responded cryptically to Sky Sports, saying, "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 missing the Brighton fixture. Matéta, who has a single year remaining on his contract with Crystal 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, demonstrating that he remains match-fit and capable of contributing at Premier League level.
Sources close to the deal suggest a valuation gap between Villa and Palace, which could prove a stumbling block unless both parties find common ground. In parallel, Villa are pressing forward with their pursuit of Rafael Leão. The Portuguese forward has reportedly shown a willingness to consider a move to England, and Villa and Milan are now in direct contact to negotiate terms before the September 1 deadline. 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, underscoring his ability to influence games both as a finisher and a creator. Villa have also kept an eye on Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart his current club before the deadline.
Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other European sides, but Villa remain keen, particularly if the Watkins deal with Al Hilal falls through. Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe highlighted that Villa were forced to rely on Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards during the heavy defeat to Brighton, a situation exacerbated by Watkins' uncertainty, injuries to Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo, and the departure of key squad members such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa over the summer. Emery's squad, which lifted the Europa League trophy last season, has been significantly reshaped, and the manager now faces the challenge of rebuilding a competitive attack. The potential addition of Leão would not be a simple, low‑profile signing.
At 27, the forward has long been linked with a Premier League move and could provide the flexibility Villa need to replace Rogers' contributions across the front line. Leão can play as a central striker, a second striker, or out wide on the left, mirroring Rogers' ability to disrupt defences and threaten the goal from multiple positions.
Although his recent form has seen his market value dip, Leão still possesses the pace, power and technical skill that make him a compelling prospect. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović praised him on Sky Sports, stating, "Rafael Leão would be an incredible signing for Villa fans.
I have played with him and seen his potential, speed, strength and skill. He is perfectly suited to the Premier League." Begović added that the player's development at Milan, surrounded by experienced senior figures, has prepared him for the physical demands of English football, despite recent managerial changes that have affected his consistency. For Villa, the allure of offering Champions League football, a guaranteed starting role and a high‑profile platform in the Premier League could be decisive in persuading Leão to join. From the player's perspective, working under Emery—who has a track record of elevating careers, as seen with Marcus Rashford—could provide the ideal environment to become a leading figure at the club.
A successful deal would address the star‑level void left by recent departures while giving Villa a potent weapon to compete domestically and in Europe. In summary, Aston Villa are juggling multiple transfer targets: they are in early talks with Crystal Palace for Matéta, negotiating with Al Hilal over Watkins, and actively pursuing Rafael Leão from AC Milan. The club also remains interested in Nicolas Jackson should the circumstances align. With the September 1 deadline looming, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining how Villa reshape their attacking lineup for the upcoming season.