Aston Villa Pursue Rafael Leao as Transfer Deadline Approaches
Aston Villa have stepped up their pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, opening talks with the Italian club over a deal for the Portugal international as the transfer window heads into its final days.
Sky in Italy report that Villa’s interest is serious and that Leao himself is open to the move. Negotiations between the clubs are under way as both sides work against the September 1 Deadline Day clock.
Leao, 27, offers exactly the kind of attacking versatility Unai Emery is scrambling to restore. He scored nine goals and supplied three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season, operating both as a central striker and off the left. For a squad suddenly stripped of depth and star quality, that profile matters.
Watkins future in doubt, Villa short up front
Villa’s push for Leao comes amid mounting uncertainty around Ollie Watkins.
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are in talks to sign the England striker and have already seen at least one bid turned down. The situation spilled into the spotlight at the weekend when Watkins was left out of the squad entirely for the 4-0 defeat to Brighton.
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.”
Reports since have suggested Watkins returned to training on Monday and apologised to his team-mates for his absence, but his long-term future remains unresolved.
On Sunday, the impact of that turmoil was brutal. With Watkins unavailable and both Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo injured, Villa were forced to use Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley as makeshift forwards in a humbling loss to Brighton that exposed the fragility of Emery’s attacking options.
A squad ripped apart
This is not the same Europa League-winning group Emery guided with such authority. Key figures have gone. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all departed. Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could yet follow.
The exodus has left holes everywhere, but none more glaring than in the forward line. Villa need more than numbers; they need a new focal point, someone who can carry both the attack and the expectation that now comes with Champions League qualification.
That is where Leao fits.
Why Leao appeals to Emery
In trying to replace Rogers’ output and flexibility, Villa have zeroed in on a player who can mirror much of what the former forward offered. Leao can lead the line, drop in as a second striker or attack from the left, driving at defenders and threatening from different angles.
His reputation in the wider game has cooled compared with his peak years in Milan, when he was routinely linked with Premier League giants. But Emery has a recent track record of reviving careers and reigniting form. Look at the leap in Marcus Rashford’s game under his guidance, or the way he elevated Morgan Rogers and Watkins at Villa before this summer’s upheaval.
For Leao, Villa present an enticing package: Champions League football, a clear route into the starting XI and the chance to become the main attacking reference in a league that suits his pace and power. For Emery, he would be a headline reinforcement and a direct answer to the star power lost over the past few months.
“An incredible signing” – Begovic
Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who played with Leao in Italy, believes the move would transform Villa’s front line.
“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 equation is clear. Villa need a new attacking leader. Leao needs a fresh stage and a defined role. With the clock ticking towards September 1, the only question now is whether the two clubs can turn mutual interest into a deal that reshapes Villa’s season.
