Aston Villa Pursue Mateta and Leao Amid Watkins Uncertainty
Aston Villa have moved on two fronts in the transfer market, opening talks with Crystal Palace for Jean-Philippe Mateta while pushing ahead with an ambitious move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, as Al Hilal continue their pursuit of Ollie Watkins.
The Saudi Pro League club are in negotiations to sign Watkins and have already seen at least one offer rejected. With the clock ticking towards the September 1 Deadline Day, Villa are bracing for every scenario in their forward line.
Watkins was a conspicuous absentee from the squad in Sunday’s bruising 4-0 defeat at Brighton. Asked afterwards to explain the striker’s omission, Unai Emery cut a stark figure on Sky Sports, replying: “Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
Reports since have indicated the England international returned to training on Monday and apologised to his team-mates for his absence, but the uncertainty over his future has forced Villa to accelerate contingency plans.
Mateta talks underline Watkins threat
Those plans include Mateta, who has entered the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace and has been on Villa’s radar since at least the winter window. The 29-year-old led the line for Palace in their 2-0 defeat to Everton at the weekend, a reminder of his status as a first-team regular in south London.
Initial contact has now been made between the clubs, though there is understood to be a gap in valuation between Villa and Palace over the Frenchman. Villa see Mateta as a potential solution if Watkins is prised away by Al Hilal, but they are not prepared to overpay.
Leao pursuit gathers momentum
While Mateta would be a pragmatic move, Leao is the headline act Villa are chasing.
The club are serious about bringing the Portugal international to Birmingham, and Leao is understood to be open to the move. Villa and Milan are in direct contact and will negotiate over the coming days in an effort to reach an agreement before the window closes.
Leao, 27, can operate through the middle or off the left. He scored nine goals and added three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season, numbers that only hint at his explosiveness when fully locked in.
For Villa, the appeal is obvious. Emery’s side were forced to field Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards in the heavy defeat at Brighton, with Watkins absent and both Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo sidelined by injury. A Europa League-winning squad has been steadily stripped: Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have already gone, with Watkins and Emiliano Martinez also facing uncertain futures.
Rogers’ departure in particular has left a hole in Villa’s attacking structure. Leao’s versatility and direct running would go some way to filling it. He can lead the line, drop in as a second striker or attack from the left, mirroring much of the positional flexibility Rogers offered while adding a higher ceiling in one‑v‑one situations.
His reputation has dipped slightly in recent seasons as Milan’s managerial churn disrupted continuity. But Emery has already shown his ability to reignite careers, with the transformation of Marcus Rashford at Manchester United often cited as a reference point for what he can do with talented, inconsistent forwards.
Villa can put Champions League football on the table, a central role in Emery’s system and the platform of the Premier League. For Leao, it is a chance to reset. For Villa, it is a way to restore star power to a dressing room that has lost several big personalities in one summer.
Jackson on the radar
Villa’s recruitment team have not limited their search to Italy and south London. They remain long-term admirers of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the deadline and has interest from Napoli and several other clubs.
Sky Sports News previously reported that Villa were likely to move for Jackson if Watkins completed a transfer to Al Hilal. With the Saudi club still circling, that option remains on standby.
‘An incredible signing’
Those who know Leao well believe he would thrive in England. Speaking on Sky Sports, former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic did not hold back on what the winger could bring to Villa.
“This wouldn't be good news, it'd be great news for Villa fans! Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing,” he said.
“I have played with him. I have seen the potential, pace, power and skill. He will be super suited to the Premier League. His game, the talent he has and the physical attributes he has will suit the Premier League.
“At Milan, he came through the ranks and really developed. He had good senior players and had consistency. Things started to change, a lot of managers started to change. It hasn't helped his consistency. Everyone has played him slightly differently.
“Look at Unai Emery and what he has done to some of the players at Aston Villa. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, taking their careers to the next level. Rafael Leao, working with Emery and getting the opportunity to be the main player at Villa, it would be huge.”
Villa now stand at a crossroads: hold their ground on Watkins, or cash in and rebuild an attack around new faces. Mateta offers security. Jackson offers potential. Leao offers star quality.
The deadline is closing in. Which version of Aston Villa will emerge on the other side?
