Aston Villa Pursue Mateta and Leao Amid Watkins Uncertainty

Aston Villa’s forward line is being rebuilt on the fly – and the clock is ticking.

The club have opened initial talks with Crystal Palace over Jean-Philippe Mateta, while also engaging AC Milan about a headline move for Rafael Leao, as Saudi side Al Hilal continue their push to prise Ollie Watkins out of Birmingham.

Al Hilal are in negotiations to sign Watkins and have already seen at least one bid rejected, with Villa holding firm for now. The situation cast a shadow over Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton, where Watkins was a conspicuous absentee from the match-day squad.

Asked after the game why his main striker was missing, Unai Emery offered a pointed response to Sky Sports: “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 sense of instability around Villa’s attack has only grown.

Mateta talks highlight Villa’s striker dilemma

Against that backdrop, Villa have moved for Mateta. The Frenchman, who has entered the final year of his Palace contract, has been on their radar since at least the winter window and started in Palace’s 2-0 defeat to Everton at the weekend.

There is, though, a gap in valuation between the clubs. Palace know they are dealing with a Premier League rival in need, and Villa are trying to avoid overpaying for a 29-year-old with limited time left on his deal. Negotiations will need to bridge that divide quickly if he is to become part of Emery’s reshaped frontline.

Leao the marquee target as Emery seeks star quality

While Mateta would add depth, Leao is the statement piece. Villa and Milan are in contact and are now working to find an agreement before the September 1 Deadline Day. Crucially for Villa, Leao is understood to be open to the move.

The Portugal international, 27, offers the kind of versatility Emery craves. He can operate as a central forward, a second striker, or off the left flank, and finished last season with nine goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances.

Villa’s need is obvious. In the 4-0 loss at Brighton, Emery was forced to use Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards. Watkins was out amid uncertainty over his future, while Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo were both injured.

This is a squad that has been stripped of key pillars across the summer. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all departed. Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could yet follow. The Europa League-winning core Emery built is being dismantled piece by piece, and the club must respond before the window shuts.

Leao, in that context, is more than just another attacker. His ability to drive at defenders, carry the ball from deep and threaten from multiple zones would mirror much of Rogers’ flexibility and output across the front line, plugging a glaring hole in both quality and profile.

His reputation has dipped slightly in recent seasons, but Emery’s track record with attacking players offers a compelling counter. The Spaniard has already helped elevate the careers of the likes of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins at Villa, sharpening their end product and tactical understanding. The idea of Leao as the focal point of that system is exactly the kind of project Villa believe can reignite his standing in the European game.

They can also put real weight behind their pitch: Champions League football, a prominent starting role and the chance to showcase his talent in the Premier League.

Jackson still on the radar

Villa’s recruitment plan does not end there. They remain long-term admirers of Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the deadline and has attracted interest from Napoli and several other clubs.

Sky Sports News has previously reported that Villa were likely to move for Jackson if Watkins is sold to Al Hilal. That scenario has not yet materialised, but the framework of their strategy is clear: Watkins out would trigger a two-pronged response, with a high-ceiling wide forward like Leao and a more orthodox No 9 such as Jackson or Mateta coming in.

‘An incredible signing’ – Begovic on Leao

Those who know Leao well are in little doubt about what he could bring. Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, speaking on Sky Sports, was emphatic.

“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.”

Begovic pointed to the instability at Milan as a factor in Leao’s fluctuating form.

“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.”

Huge is the word. Villa are trying to hold off Saudi money for their star striker, patch up a squad that has lost leaders across the pitch, and still step into a Champions League campaign with ambition, not fear.

Whether they can land Leao, close a deal for Mateta, and resolve the Watkins saga in their favour will define not just their window, but the direction of Emery’s entire project.