Aston Villa ramp up transfer plans with Rafael Leao and Jean-Philippe Mateta moves ahead of deadline day

Villa have made an approach for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao and are also understood to have submitted an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The club are looking to add further firepower with Ollie Watkins’ future at Villa Park uncertain, while Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are both sidelined with injury.

Villa make move for Rafael Leao

Villa have made an indicative offer for Leao, with the club serious about bringing the Portugal international to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old is understood to be open to the possibility of joining Villa, with the two clubs now in contact as they attempt to negotiate a deal before Deadline Day.

Leao offers versatility in attack, capable of playing as a centre-forward or from the left wing. He scored nine goals and provided three assists in 29 Serie A appearances for Milan last season.

Villa’s interest comes at a time when uncertainty continues to surround Watkins.

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have held talks over a move for the England striker and have already seen at least one bid rejected by Villa.

Watkins was left out of the match-day squad for Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton, with Emery giving a cryptic response when asked about the striker’s absence.

“Ask him. I only can answer it by silence,” Emery said.

Reports have since suggested that Watkins returned to training on Monday and apologised to his teammates for his absence.

With his situation unresolved, Villa are continuing to examine options in the forward positions, with Leao one of the most ambitious targets on their radar.

Jean-Philippe Mateta also on Villa’s radar

Villa have also made an offer for Palace striker Mateta, although their initial proposal is understood to have fallen considerably short of the south London club’s valuation.

Palace are expected to demand a significantly higher fee before considering the sale of the France international.

Villa previously considered a move for Mateta in January and have now revived their interest as they seek additional attacking options.

The 29-year-old came close to leaving Palace during the winter transfer window, when AC Milan were preparing to sign him for €30m before abandoning the deal over concerns about a knee injury.

Mateta subsequently returned to the Palace squad and enjoyed a productive end to the campaign.

He scored the winning goal in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in May as Palace secured their first European trophy, while he finished last season with 16 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Villa must now determine whether they can strike an agreement with Palace, while negotiations with Milan over Leao could develop over the coming days.

Villa face busy final days of the window

The two attacking targets underline Villa’s desire to strengthen in the final week of the transfer window, particularly with Watkins’ position at the club unclear.

Leao would provide Emery with another dynamic option capable of operating in multiple attacking roles, while Mateta would offer a more traditional centre-forward presence.

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has also been linked with Villa, highlighting the range of options the club are considering before the September 1 deadline.

With several deals still potentially in play, Villa could have a particularly busy final few days of the window.

Aston Villa transfer FAQs

When does the summer transfer window close?

The summer transfer window closes on September 1.

Are Aston Villa interested in Rafael Leao?

Yes. Villa have made an approach for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, with the Portugal international understood to be open to a move.

Are Aston Villa trying to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Villa have made an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, although the initial proposal fell considerably short of Palace’s valuation.

How many goals did Mateta score last season?

Mateta scored 16 goals in 50 appearances for Crystal Palace in all competitions last season.

What does Eventmasters offer for Aston Villa?

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