​Ex-Chelsea and Milan player Begovic on Leao: ‘He would be an incredible signing for Aston Villa’Asmir Begovic believes Rafael Leao would be a transformative signing for Aston Villa, with the Milan forward linked to a late move to Birmingham.With quotes via MilanNews.it, the former Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper told Sky Sports that Leao’s attributes are tailor-made for English football, drawing on his time as the Portuguese’s teammate at San Siro.“It wouldn’t be good news, it would be fantastic news for Aston Villa fans,” Begovic said. “Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing. I played with him. I saw his potential, his speed, his power and his ability. He’d be perfect for the Premier League. His game, the talent he has and his physical qualities will suit the English league perfectly.”MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Asmir Begovic of AC Milan kicks a ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 8, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)Begovic points to Milan’s main flaw amid Leao exit linksThe goalkeeper also offered an explanation for the inconsistency that has dogged Leao in recent seasons. “At Milan, he grew and established himself,” he said.“He had good, experienced players around him and good continuity. Then things started to change, a lot of coaches started changing. That certainly didn’t help his consistency. Everyone deployed him in a slightly different way.”Begovic sees Unai Emery as the answer to that. “Look at Unai Emery and what he’s done with some Aston Villa players,” he said.BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, speaks to the media in a pre-match press conference prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)“For Rafael Leao, working with Emery and having the opportunity to be Aston Villa’s key player would be fantastic.”Villa emerged as suitors on Monday, with Milan understood to be willing to reopen talks at €50m having previously held out for €60m. On Tuesday, Tottenham reportedly entered the race as rivals to the Villains’ pursuit. Leao missed the opening weekend with a thigh problem.