Aston Villa have initiated discussions with AC Milan regarding a potential move for Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, while simultaneously advancing towards a £65 million deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. The club's urgent search for attacking reinforcements comes as Ollie Watkins edges closer to a £50 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Villa's squad overhaul continues
The Villans have experienced a turbulent summer, losing a significant portion of the squad that secured Europa League glory last season. Morgan Rogers departed to Stamford Bridge in a £117 million move, while Youri Tielemans joined Manchester United for £35 million. Lucas Digne returned to Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal secured Ezri Konsa for £51 million plus an additional £4 million in add-ons.
Now, Villa appear set to lose Watkins, their 30-year-old centre-forward, to Al-Hilal. The striker was notably absent from the club's Premier League opener against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, a match Villa lost 4-0 at the AMEX Stadium, where they visibly lacked attacking firepower.
Emery's frustration over Watkins absence
When questioned about Watkins' absence, a frustrated Unai Emery told Sky Sports after the game: "This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence." He added: "I think you can call him and you can call his agent and he can respond," when asked if Watkins had refused to play.
According to The Athletic, the centre-forward is on the verge of completing a £50 million move to the Saudi Pro League, prompting Villa to scramble for a suitable replacement for the remainder of the season.
Leao talks with AC Milan
The publication also reports that Villa have opened talks with AC Milan over the feasibility of bringing in Leao, the 27-year-old Portuguese international. While Leao naturally operates as a winger, it is understood that Villa are seeking more versatility across their attacking line.
Villa are said to be keen on a loan deal for Leao with an obligation to buy. However, with Galatasaray also showing interest, there is no guarantee the forward will arrive in the Midlands ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Jackson deal at advanced stage
As for an out-and-out striker, Villa are hopeful of landing Chelsea's Jackson in the coming days. A broad agreement has been reached between the two clubs over a fee of around £65 million, comprising a guaranteed £47.5 million with an additional £17.5 million in add-ons.
Negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage for the 25-year-old Senegalese international, who has struggled to find his footing in west London since his arrival in 2023. Tied down with Chelsea until 2033, Jackson seemingly has no part in Xabi Alonso's plans, having been similarly sidelined under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior last season, when he joined Bayern Munich on a season-long loan. In the Bundesliga, the forward managed eight goals in 23 games, largely playing second fiddle to Harry Kane, and there is evidently hope he can enjoy a career resurgence with Villa this term.
