Aston Villa Pursue Rafael Leao Before Deadline Day
Aston Villa have stepped up their move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, opening talks with the Italian club over a deal before the September 1 Deadline Day.
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, brings the kind of versatility Unai Emery badly needs. He can lead the line, operate as a second striker or attack from the left, and last season he produced nine goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances. For a squad suddenly stripped of depth and star power, that profile is gold dust.
Villa scramble to reshape attack
Villa’s pursuit of Leao comes against a backdrop of uncertainty and upheaval in Emery’s forward line.
Ollie Watkins’ future hangs in the balance. Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are in talks to sign the England striker and have already seen at least one bid rejected. Watkins was left out of the squad for Sunday’s bruising 4-0 defeat at Brighton, a decision that only fuelled speculation.
Asked after the game why Watkins was missing, Emery offered a pointed response to Sky Sports: “Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
Reports since have indicated Watkins returned to training on Monday and apologised to his team-mates for his absence, but the doubt remains. Villa cannot plan the season on hope alone.
At Brighton, the lack of options up front was brutally exposed. With Watkins unavailable and both Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo sidelined by injury, Emery had to improvise. Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley were pushed into makeshift forward roles as Villa slumped to a heavy defeat that underlined just how urgently reinforcements are required.
And it is not just the forward line that has been hit. Key figures from last season’s Europa League-winning squad have already gone. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have all departed. Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could yet follow.
The squad that powered Emery to European glory has been torn at the seams. Villa need star quality back in the building, fast.
Leao as Rogers’ heir
Within that context, Leao is not simply another attacking body. He is being targeted as a direct answer to the void left by Morgan Rogers.
Rogers offered flexibility across the front line, an ability to drive at defenders and threaten goal from different zones. Leao ticks the same boxes, with the added benefit of years at the sharp end of Serie A and the Champions League.
His reputation has dipped in recent seasons, his form and consistency dragged around by a changing cast of managers and tactical tweaks at Milan. But his tools have never been in doubt: pace, power, one-on-one ability and a directness that can tilt games.
The question is who can unlock that version of Leao on a weekly basis. Emery’s track record suggests Villa believe they have the answer. The Spaniard has already elevated careers at Villa Park, with players such as Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins thriving under his guidance and structure.
Villa can also offer something that usually belongs to Europe’s established elite: Champions League football. Combine that with a likely starting role and the glare of the Premier League, and the move looks like a powerful platform for Leao to relaunch his trajectory.
For Emery, Leao would plug the star-level gap left by this summer’s exits and give him a focal point around which to rebuild the attack. For Leao, it would be a chance to become the main man in a team on the rise.
‘An incredible signing’
Those who know Leao well are in no doubt about what he could bring.
Former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, speaking on Sky Sports, did not hold back.
“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 turbulence at Milan as a factor in Leao’s fluctuating levels.
“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.”
Talks now move from theory to hard numbers. With Deadline Day looming, Villa know the clock is ticking. If they land Leao, they don’t just soften the blow of this summer’s departures – they change the face of their attack for the battles to come.
