Aston Villa Pursue Rafael Leao Ahead of Deadline Day
Aston Villa have stepped up their move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, opening talks over a deal they want wrapped up before Deadline Day on September 1.
The Portugal international is understood to be open to the switch, with Villa and Milan now in direct contact as negotiations begin over a fee and structure of the transfer.
Leao, 27, offers exactly what Villa are scrambling to find in the final days of the window: a marquee attacking presence who can carry a frontline almost on his own. He scored nine goals and supplied three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season, operating either as a central striker or off the left, where his pace and power have long made him one of Europe’s most watchable forwards.
Right now, Villa badly need that kind of firepower.
Watkins uncertainty leaves Villa exposed
The push for Leao comes against a backdrop of growing uncertainty around Ollie Watkins’ future. Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are in talks to sign the England striker and have already seen at least one bid turned down.
Watkins was left out of the match-day squad for Villa’s bruising 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Sunday. Asked afterwards why his main striker was missing, Unai Emery cut a stark figure. “Ask him. I only can answer it by silence,” he told Sky Sports, a line that underlined just how fragile the situation has become.
Reports since suggest Watkins returned to training on Monday and apologised to his team-mates for his absence, but the sense of instability around Villa’s attack has not gone away.
Against Brighton, it showed.
With Watkins unavailable and both Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo out injured, Emery was forced into makeshift solutions. Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley were pushed into unfamiliar roles up front, and Villa looked blunt, disjointed and short of threat.
A squad ripped apart, a gap at the top
Emery has watched his Europa League-winning group stripped piece by piece across the summer. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all gone. Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could yet follow.
The exits have not just trimmed depth; they have taken star power and versatility out of the side. Rogers in particular gave Villa a flexible attacking option across the frontline, capable of drifting wide, dropping off the striker or running beyond.
Leao is being targeted to fill that void.
Able to play as a central forward, second striker or from the left, he mirrors Rogers’ flexibility but brings a higher ceiling and a more explosive physical profile. He drives at defenders, commits them one-on-one and carries a constant goal threat from multiple zones in the final third.
His reputation on the global stage has dipped compared to his peak Milan years, when he was routinely linked with the Premier League’s elite. But Emery has already shown what he can do with a talented forward whose stock has stalled. The transformation of Marcus Rashford’s career under his guidance remains a reference point.
Villa believe they can do something similar with Leao.
Champions League lure and a central role
Villa can offer what many Premier League suitors cannot: Champions League football and a prominent role from day one. For Leao, that means a chance to reassert himself at the top level, in a league that suits his athleticism and direct style.
For Emery, it means a crucial reinforcement and a ready-made focal point to plug the star-level gap left by the summer exodus. This is not a depth signing. It is a statement move.
If the deal goes through, Villa would secure a forward who fits the tactical puzzle and the emotional need of a club trying to prove last season’s rise was not a one-off.
‘An incredible signing’ – Begovic
Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who played alongside Leao in Italy, did not hide his excitement at the prospect.
“This wouldn't be good news, it'd be great news for Villa fans! Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing,” he 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 September 1. Villa have lost leaders, goals and Champions League experience in one summer. Now they are chasing a forward who could redefine their attack in a single stroke. The question is simple: can they get Rafael Leao through the door in time?
