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 focused on bolstering 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 actively negotiating with Villa over Watkins and have already seen at least one of their offers turned down.
Watkins was conspicuously absent from the matchday squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday. When Unai Emery, the Villa manager, was asked to comment on the striker's omission, he replied to Sky Sports with a terse, "Ask him.
I can only answer with silence." Shortly after the fixture, reports emerged that Watkins returned to training on Monday and offered an apology to his teammates for his unexplained absence. Mateta, 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, underscoring his continued involvement at the Premier League level. However, sources suggest a valuation gap exists between Villa and Palace, complicating any potential deal.
In parallel, Villa's interest in Leão is reportedly serious. The Portuguese forward has indicated a willingness to consider a move to England, and both clubs are now in contact to hammer out terms before the transfer deadline on September 1. Leão is a versatile attacker capable of operating as a central striker or on the left flank. He recorded nine goals and three assists across 29 Serie A appearances last season, demonstrating both goal‑scoring instinct and creative ability.
Villa have also kept an eye on Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to depart the Blues before the deadline. Jackson has attracted interest from Napoli and several other European sides, but Villa are positioned as a potential destination, particularly if Watkins is transferred to Al Hilal.
Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe noted that Villa were forced to rely on Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards during the heavy defeat to Brighton, highlighting the urgency of securing a natural striker. The broader context for Villa’s transfer activity is a summer of significant turnover.
Since Emery took charge, the squad that won the Europa League has been dismantled: Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all left, and further departures such as Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez appear possible. The club therefore faces a pressing need to reinforce its attacking line‑up before the September 1 deadline.
Rafael Leão, 27, has long been linked with a Premier League move and could fill the creative and physical void left by Rogers. His ability to play as a central striker, second striker or left winger mirrors Rogers' versatility, allowing Villa to maintain tactical flexibility. Although Leão's market value has dipped in recent months, his skill set—pace, dribbling, and a knack for cutting inside to shoot—remains highly attractive.
Emery’s track record of revitalising players, most notably Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, could be a compelling selling point for Leão. From Villa's perspective, the club can promise Champions League football, a guaranteed starting role and a platform to showcase talent in one of the world's most watched leagues. For Leão, joining Villa would represent a chance to become a focal point of a top‑six Premier League side, working under a manager known for giving players confidence and responsibility.
Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović weighed in on Sky Sports, describing the potential deal as "great news for Villa fans". He praised Leão's pace, power and technical ability, insisting that the player would thrive in the Premier League's physical environment. Begović also highlighted how managerial changes at Milan may have disrupted Leão's consistency, suggesting that a stable setting under Emery could unlock his full potential. In summary, Aston Villa are juggling multiple transfer targets as the window closes.
They are negotiating with Crystal Palace for Mateta, courting AC Milan for Leão, and monitoring the situation with Nicolas Jackson, all while Al Hilal press for Watkins. The club's ambition is clear: to replace the departing talent, restore attacking firepower, and secure a squad capable of competing on both domestic and European fronts. The next few days will be crucial as offers are refined, valuations are agreed, and final signatures are sought before the September 1 deadline.