Aston Villa have taken the first step in opening negotiations with Crystal Palace regarding the possible acquisition of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously reaching out to AC Milan with the intention of securing the services of dynamic winger Rafael Leão. The club’s transfer strategy this summer appears focused on bolstering its attacking options, especially as rival Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal intensifies its pursuit of Villa’s own forward Ollie Watkins. According to reports from Sky Sports News, Al Hilal are actively engaged in discussions to bring Watkins to the Saudi league and have already seen at least one of their offers turned down. Watkins’ omission from Villa’s matchday squad for the 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday sparked speculation about his future.
When pressed for a comment, manager Unai Emery replied cryptically, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence," leaving fans and pundits to wonder about the striker’s status.
Subsequent reports indicate that Watkins returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for missing the Brighton fixture, suggesting that whatever off‑field issues existed may be resolving. Mateta, who has just one year remaining on his contract with Crystal Palace, has been on Villa’s radar since at least the winter window.
The 29‑year‑old French forward featured for Palace in their 2-0 defeat to Everton last weekend, showing that he remains match‑fit and ready to contribute. However, sources say there is a valuation gap between the two clubs that could complicate negotiations. Palace are reportedly seeking a fee that Villa consider excessive, while Villa are keen to strike a deal before the September 1 deadline. In parallel, Villa’s interest in Rafael Leão has grown more concrete.
The Portuguese attacker, who can operate as a central striker or on the left flank, recorded nine goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances for AC Milan last season. Leão has reportedly expressed openness to a move to England, and both clubs are now in direct contact to hammer out terms ahead of the transfer deadline. If the deal goes through, Villa would acquire a player capable of filling the void left by departing forwards such as Morgan Rogers, offering versatility across the front line. Villa also maintain a long‑standing admiration for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, a player expected to leave the Blues before the deadline.
Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other clubs, but Villa could move for him if Watkins departs for Al Hilal, according to Sky Sports. This potential cascade of transfers underscores the urgency felt by Emery’s staff to reshape the squad after a turbulent summer that saw the exits of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa, with Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also rumored to be on the brink of departure. The recent 4-0 drubbing by Brighton highlighted Villa’s lack of depth up front. With Emery forced to deploy Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift strikers, the team struggled to create meaningful chances.
Both Tammy Abraham and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo were sidelined by injury, further exposing the thinness of the attacking bench. The manager, who guided Villa to a Europa League triumph, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Rafael Leão represents more than just an additional goal scorer; his skill set aligns with Villa’s need for a forward who can drive at defenses, drift wide, and link play with midfielders. At 27, Leão has already been linked with Premier League moves in the past, and his ability to operate as a central striker, second striker, or left‑winger mirrors the flexibility that Morgan Rogers once offered Villa.
While his market value has dipped slightly in recent months, Emery’s track record of reviving players’ careers—most notably Marcus Rashford—could make Villa an attractive destination for the Portuguese forward. From the player’s perspective, a move to Villa offers the promise of regular Premier League football, the chance to play under a manager who trusts his instincts, and the platform to showcase his talent on one of the world’s biggest stages. For Villa, securing Leão would fill the star‑level gap left by recent departures and signal the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level. 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 game, talent and physical attributes will thrive here. At Milan he developed under senior players, but constant managerial changes have affected his consistency.
Working with Emery at Villa could give him the stability and platform he needs to become a main player." In summary, Aston Villa are actively pursuing three distinct targets as the transfer window draws to a close: Jean‑Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, Rafael Leão from AC Milan, and potentially Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. Each acquisition would address a specific need—Mateta to add a proven Premier League striker, Leão to inject versatility and flair on the wing, and Jackson to provide youthful dynamism. The club’s ability to navigate valuation gaps, secure agreements before the September 1 deadline, and retain key players like Ollie Watkins will ultimately determine whether Villa can emerge from this busy window with a squad capable of challenging for honors in the upcoming season.