Aston Villa have taken the first step in negotiating with Crystal Palace for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously opening discussions with AC Milan about a potential transfer for winger Rafael Leão. The club’s recruitment strategy appears to be focused on bolstering its attacking options, especially as Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are reportedly making a serious push for forward Ollie Watkins. According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal have entered advanced talks to secure Watkins' services and have already had at least one of their offers turned down. Watkins was conspicuously absent from Villa's match‑day squad for the 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
When asked by Sky Sports about the striker's omission, manager Unai Emery replied cryptically: "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." Subsequent reports indicate that Watkins returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the fixture.
Mateta, 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 a valuation gap between Villa and Palace may be hindering progress, but the Premier League side remain keen to close the distance before the September 1 deadline. In parallel, Villa are making a concerted effort to secure Leão, who has reportedly shown a willingness to consider a move to England. Negotiations between Villa and Milan are reportedly underway, with both clubs hoping to reach an agreement before the transfer window shuts. 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 also kept an eye on Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart before the deadline and has attracted interest from Napoli and several other clubs. Sky Sports previously suggested that Villa might act for Jackson if Watkins' transfer to Al Hilal goes through. Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted the makeshift nature of Villa's forward line during the heavy defeat to Brighton, noting that Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley were forced into forward roles. The absence of Watkins, coupled with injuries to Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo, left manager Unai Emery with limited options.
Emery has watched his Europa League‑winning squad fragment over the summer, with departures including Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa, and the potential exits of Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez looming. The club's urgency to reinforce the attack before the September 1 cut‑off cannot be overstated. While Leão would not be a routine acquisition, his profile matches Villa's needs.
The 27‑year‑old has long been linked with a Premier League move, and Villa see him as a possible replacement for the creative output and positional flexibility previously offered by Morgan Rogers. Leão can function as a central striker, second striker, or left‑winger, mirroring Rogers' ability to drive at defenses and threaten the goal from multiple areas. Although Leão's market value has dipped recently, Emery’s track record of revitalising players—most notably Marcus Rashford—suggests he could unlock the Portuguese forward’s potential.
Villa can promise Champions League football, a prominent role in the starting eleven, and a platform to showcase talent in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. For Leão, the move would provide a chance to become a key figure at a club eager to rebuild, offering a win‑win scenario for both parties. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, praising the potential signing: "This would be great 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. His talent, physical attributes and the development he received at Milan make him an ideal fit." Begović added that while Leão’s consistency has suffered due to managerial changes at Milan, a stable environment under Emery could reignite his form.
He highlighted Emery’s impact on players like Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, suggesting that Leão could similarly thrive. In summary, Aston Villa are actively pursuing multiple attacking targets as they navigate a turbulent summer.
The club is in talks with Crystal Palace for Mateta, negotiating with AC Milan for Leão, monitoring the Al Hilal bid for Watkins, and keeping tabs on Nicolas Jackson. With a looming transfer deadline, Villa must act swiftly to secure the talent required to compete at the highest level in the Premier League and beyond.