PL Rivals Join Race to Sign Top Winger

We’re talking about none other than AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. According to The Guardian, Leao is one of several players that Unai Emery’s men are looking to bring on board at the moment.

With Morgan Rogers having left the club and Ollie Watkins possibly going the same way, this would be an excellent way for Villa to reinvigorate their attacking ranks.

Additionally, they’re linked with players who have experience in the Premier League – Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.

Nevertheless, Leao remains in their sights. Despite this, they are far from the only club who have been linked with a move for the player this summer.

According to TransferFeed, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Leeds United have also been named as teams in the mix to bring Leao on board.

As such, Villa may well have their work cut out if they wish to sign him. Still, with so many outbound transfers at Villa Park, they have plenty of room to manoeuvre.

Rafael Leao 2025/26 Serie A stats

Rafael Leao 2026 World Cup stats

How would Rafael Leao improve Aston Villa’s squad?

Leao’s dribbling, electric pace and ability to create space in tight areas make him a formidable force down the left wing. He can also play as an attacking midfielder or as an out-and-out striker, but excels most on the left.

Capable of scoring and creating goals with regularity at the highest level of the game, it’s certainly not hyperbolic to describe him as a truly world-class operator.

However, with no Premier League experience under his belt, it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to thrive in England’s top division. He isn’t the strongest player in the world, nor is he the hardest worker.

Out of possession, his contributions are very limited, but he can be a very dangerous player to come up against when running at backlines.

Villa have a pair of left wingers on their books – Alejandro Garnacho and Emi Buendia – but neither of them are on Leao’s level right now. As such, signing him up would most certainly present a serious upgrade.

The Villa massive need a boost right now, following their 4-0 defeat against Brighton in their first game of the season – signing a world-renowned talent like Leao would be a great way to lift their spirits.