Aston Villa have opened preliminary discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the possible acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Matéta, while simultaneously reaching out to AC Milan about the potential signing of winger Rafael Leão. The club is actively evaluating its attacking options, especially as Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal intensifies its pursuit of forward Ollie Watkins. According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal are engaged in negotiations to bring Watkins to Saudi Arabia and have already had at least one offer turned down by Villa. Watkins was omitted from the matchday squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
When questioned about the omission, manager Unai Emery responded cryptically to Sky Sports, saying, "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 game. Matéta, who has a single year remaining on his contract with Crystal 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 could be a stumbling block in finalising any deal.
In parallel, Villa are making a serious bid for Rafael Leão, who has signalled openness to a move to England. Negotiations between the two clubs are underway, with both sides hoping to reach an agreement before the transfer deadline on September 1. Leão, 27, is versatile enough to operate 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 a long-term eye on Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart before the deadline. Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other clubs, but Villa could move for him if Watkins is sold to Al Hilal, according to earlier Sky Sports reports.
Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted Villa's recent struggles up front, noting that Emery was forced to deploy Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift strikers during the heavy defeat to Brighton. Watkins' uncertain future left him out of the squad, while Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo were sidelined with injuries. The manager has watched his Europa League-winning side disintegrate over the summer, with departures of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa already confirmed, and Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez possibly following.
The urgency for reinforcements is palpable as the club approaches the September 1 deadline. Leão would not be a routine addition; his arrival could fill the creative and physical void left by departing forwards.
Known for his ability to play as a central striker, second striker, or left winger, Leão mirrors Rogers' versatility, offering Villa a player capable of driving at defences and threatening the goal from multiple positions. Although Leão's market value has dipped recently, Emery's track record of revitalising players—most notably Marcus Rashford—suggests he could thrive under Villa's system. The club can promise Champions League exposure, a prominent role in the starting eleven, and a platform to showcase his talents in the Premier League. For Leão, joining Villa would provide a chance to become a marquee player under a manager known for developing attacking talent.
Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, praising the potential move: "This 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. His talent, physical attributes and game intelligence would thrive here. At Milan he developed well, but frequent managerial changes have affected his consistency. Working with Emery could give him the stability and platform he needs to become a leading player at Villa." Beyond the immediate transfer targets, Villa must also consider the broader strategic picture.
Selling Watkins to Al Hilal could free up substantial funds, enabling the club to invest in multiple positions, including a potential replacement for the departing Nicolas Jackson. The Saudi club's interest underscores the growing financial clout of leagues outside Europe, adding another layer of complexity to Villa's transfer strategy. In summary, Aston Villa are juggling several high-profile negotiations as the transfer window closes. They are in talks with Crystal Palace over Matéta, have approached AC Milan for Leão, and are monitoring the situation with Nicolas Jackson.
The outcomes of these discussions will shape Villa's attacking lineup for the upcoming season, determining whether they can compete effectively in the Premier League and pursue European ambitions.