Aston Villa Pursue Rafael Leao as Watkins Situation Unfolds
Aston Villa have stepped up their pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, with talks under way between the clubs as the transfer deadline looms on September 1.
The Portugal international is open to the move, and Villa’s interest is serious rather than speculative. Negotiations are now in motion as Unai Emery pushes for attacking reinforcements at the end of a turbulent summer.
Villa turn to Leao as Watkins future hangs over squad
Villa’s need up front is urgent. Ollie Watkins’ situation has cast a shadow over the early weeks of the season, and the 4-0 collapse at Brighton only sharpened the focus.
Watkins was left out of the match-day squad for that defeat. Asked afterwards why his main striker was missing, Emery offered a pointed response to Sky Sports: “Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
The message was clear. Something had broken.
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are in talks to sign Watkins and have already seen at least one bid rejected, according to Sky Sports News. Reports since suggest the England forward returned to training on Monday and apologised to his teammates for his absence, but the uncertainty remains.
On the pitch, the picture was even more stark. With Watkins unavailable and both Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo injured, Emery was forced to field Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards at the Amex. Villa looked blunt, disjointed and miles off the level required.
That is the backdrop to the move for Leao.
A replacement for Rogers’ versatility – and more
Leao, 27, offers exactly the kind of flexibility Villa have just lost. Morgan Rogers has gone, part of a wave of key departures that has ripped through Emery’s Europa League-winning squad. Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all left. Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could yet follow.
So Villa are not just shopping. They are trying to plug star-sized holes.
Leao scored nine goals and provided three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season. He can operate as a central striker, a second forward or off the left, driving at defenders and carrying the ball into dangerous areas. That profile mirrors much of what Rogers gave Emery: movement across the front line, the ability to stretch teams, and a constant threat from different zones.
His reputation in the wider game has cooled compared to his peak years at Milan, when he looked like one of Europe’s most explosive wide forwards. But Villa see an opportunity in that. Emery has already shown what he can do with players who need a reset, with his work on the careers of the likes of Marcus Rashford often cited as a reference point for his man-management and tactical clarity.
Villa can put something powerful on the table: Champions League football, a prominent role in the starting XI and the stage of the Premier League. For Leao, it is a route back to centre stage. For Emery, it is a crucial reinforcement and a marquee answer to a summer of exits.
‘An incredible signing’ – Begovic backs Leao for England
Asmir Begovic, who shared a dressing room with Leao at Milan, believes the forward would light up Villa Park.
“This wouldn't be good news, it'd be great news for Villa fans! Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing,” the former Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper told Sky Sports.
“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.”
The clock is ticking towards Deadline Day. Villa’s squad has been stripped, their attack is in flux, and their manager needs a new focal point. If the club can drag Leao out of Milan before September 1, this reshaped side suddenly looks very different – and the mood around Villa Park might flip just as quickly.
