Aston Villa have opened preliminary discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the possible acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously reaching out to AC Milan to explore the signing of winger Rafael Leão. The club’s transfer strategy appears to be focused on bolstering its attacking options, especially as Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are reportedly making a push for forward Ollie Watkins.
According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal have entered negotiations for Watkins and have already had at least one of their offers 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 the England international returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the game. Mateta, 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 2-0 defeat to Everton over the weekend, keeping his form and fitness on display. Sources suggest that a valuation gap exists between Villa and Palace, complicating any potential deal. Meanwhile, Villa's interest in Leão appears more advanced.
The Portuguese forward has reportedly expressed a willingness to consider a move to the Premier League, and both clubs are now in direct contact, hoping to settle 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 productivity at a high level. In addition to Mateta and Leão, Villa have long admired Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart his current club before the transfer window closes.
Jackson has also attracted interest from Napoli and several other European sides. Sky Sports previously reported that Villa might act for Jackson if Watkins is offloaded to Al Hilal, creating a chain reaction of signings. Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted that Villa were forced to improvise up front during the Brighton defeat, relying on Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards. Watkins' uncertain future left a noticeable void, while Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo were sidelined by injury.
Emery has watched his Europa League-winning squad fragment over the summer, with departures such as Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa already confirmed. Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be next. The club is under pressure to secure reinforcements before the September 1 deadline, and Leão is seen as more than a routine addition. At 27, the forward has long been linked with a Premier League move, and Villa view him as a potential replacement for Rogers' versatility and goal contribution.
Leão can function as a central striker, a second striker, or a left winger, mirroring Rogers' ability to attack from multiple positions and pose a threat across the front line. Although his market value has dipped recently, Emery's track record of reviving careers—most notably Marcus Rashford's—suggests he could reignite Leão's trajectory. Villa can promise Champions League exposure, a prominent role in the starting eleven, and a platform to showcase talent in the English top flight. For Leão, the move would provide a chance to become a marquee player at a club eager to rebuild its attacking core.
Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, praising the potential signing. He said, "This would be fantastic news for Villa fans. Rafael Leão would be an incredible acquisition.
I've played with him and seen his pace, power, and skill firsthand. He is perfectly suited to the Premier League; his talent and physical attributes match the demands of English football. At Milan he developed under senior players, but managerial changes have affected his consistency.
Working with Emery at Villa could give him the stability and opportunity to become a leading figure." Beyond the headline names, Villa's broader transfer agenda includes addressing depth issues exposed by injuries and squad rotation. The club's scouting network is reportedly monitoring several other forwards in Europe and South America, aiming to add both experience and youthful potential. If the Watkins deal with Al Hilal materialises, the financial windfall could fund multiple signings, allowing Villa to spread risk across several targets rather than relying on a single marquee player. In summary, Aston Villa are actively pursuing a multi‑pronged approach to revamp their attack ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
Discussions with Crystal Palace over Jean-Philippe Mateta, negotiations with AC Milan for Rafael Leão, and potential moves for Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins illustrate a comprehensive strategy to replace outgoing talent and strengthen the squad. The club hopes that these efforts will restore competitive balance, satisfy an eager fan base, and position Villa for a successful season in both domestic and European competitions.