Aston Villa approach AC Milan over transfer of forward Rafael Leao
Aston Villa have made a formal approach to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao ahead of the transfer deadline following uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins.
The Premier League club are seriously pursuing the Portuguese international, who is reportedly open to swapping Serie A for English football.
Representatives from both sides are currently in active negotiations to secure an agreement before the window closes on 1 September.
Watkins’ future hangs in the balance
Unai Emery’s sudden need to bolster his attacking options comes amidst serious Saudi Arabian interest in his primary striker.
Al Hilal are engaged in discussions regarding a potential transfer for Watkins, having already seen at least one lucrative bid rejected by the Midlands outfit.
Speculation intensified over the weekend when the England international was conspicuously omitted from the matchday squad during Sunday’s heavy 4-0 defeat at Brighton.
When questioned about the surprising absence after the match, the Villa manager offered a remarkably blunt response.
“Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
Reports subsequently indicated that the 30-year-old returned to training at Bodymoor Heath on Monday and issued an apology to his teammates.
Ambitious pursuit of Serie A star
Capturing the signature of the former Lille winger would represent a significant statement of intent from the Villa Park hierarchy.
The lightning-fast attacker has been a crucial figure for the Rossoneri in recent seasons, combining lethal pace with precise finishing in the final third.
With the deadline rapidly approaching, the English side must move swiftly to finalise terms and integrate their prospective marquee signing.