Aston Villa have taken the first step toward securing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, while simultaneously opening discussions with AC Milan about the possible acquisition of winger Rafael Leão. These moves come as the club evaluates its attacking options, especially after Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have signaled a strong interest in forward Ollie Watkins.
According to Sky Sports News, Al Hilal are actively negotiating with Villa for Watkins and have already seen at least one of their offers turned down. The English international was omitted from the squad for Villa's 4-0 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
When asked why he was missing, manager Unai Emery replied cryptically to Sky Sports, "Ask him. I can only answer with silence." Subsequent reports indicated 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 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 that a valuation gap between Villa and Palace is hindering progress, with Villa reportedly valuing the striker higher than Palace is willing to accept. In parallel, Villa are keen to make a serious bid for Rafael Leão, who has hinted that he would be open to a move to England.
Negotiations between the two clubs are already underway, with both sides hoping to reach an agreement before the September 1 transfer 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, showcasing his ability to contribute both in scoring and creating opportunities.
Villa have also kept an 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 remain long‑term admirers. Sky Sports previously reported that Villa would be more inclined to pursue Jackson if Watkins were to move to Al Hilal.
Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports highlighted Villa's recent makeshift attacking line‑up, which saw Emi Buendía and Ross Barkley forced into forward roles 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 both sidelined with injuries. Emery has watched his Europa League‑winning side unravel over the summer, with departures including Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa. Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be the next to leave.
The club urgently needs reinforcements before the deadline, and Leão would not be a simple, low‑profile signing. The 27‑year‑old has long been linked with a Premier League move and could fill the creative and physical void left by Rogers' exit. Leão can operate as a central striker, second striker or left winger, mirroring Rogers' versatility and ability to drive at defenses while threatening the goal from multiple positions. Although his market value has dipped recently, Emery has a track record of reviving players' careers, as seen with Marcus Rashford at Manchester United.
Villa can offer Leão Champions League football, a guaranteed starting spot and a prominent platform in the Premier League. For Villa, signing Leão would address the star‑level gap created by recent departures and provide a crucial boost to their attacking line‑up.
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 game, talent and physical attributes would thrive here. At Milan he developed well, surrounded by senior players, but constant managerial changes have affected his consistency.
Working with Emery could take his career to the next level, just as Emery has done for Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins at Villa." In summary, Aston Villa are actively pursuing multiple forward options: they have opened talks with Crystal Palace for Mateta, are negotiating with AC Milan for Leão, and are monitoring the situation with Nicolas Jackson. All of these potential signings aim to strengthen a squad that has been stripped of key players and suffered a dismal defeat at Brighton. With the September 1 deadline looming, Villa must act swiftly to secure the talent needed to compete in the Premier League and possibly in European competition next season.