Aston Villa have rejected a £38million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for striker Ollie Watkins, marking the third separate approach from the Middle Eastern side. Personal terms between the 30-year-old forward and Al-Hilal are understood to have already been agreed, according to sources close to the negotiations.
Watkins absent from pre-season as transfer saga unfolds
Watkins was absent from Aston Villa's pre-season preparations and missed last week's UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain. The England international was granted extended leave following the World Cup, alongside Villa teammates Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez, whose futures at the club also remain uncertain.
Villa dismissed Al-Hilal's most recent approach on Tuesday evening, though the Premier League outfit are bracing for another enhanced offer. Unai Emery's squad has already seen significant departures this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne leaving for a combined total of £159.5 million.
Previous interest from Manchester United and Arsenal
Watkins attracted attention from Manchester United and Arsenal last year, while Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahce showed interest earlier this summer before pursuing Romelu Lukaku instead. Following a contract extension in 2024, Watkins has two years remaining on his Villa Park agreement.
The 30-year-old is expected to command a substantial wage increase should he move to Al-Hilal, who are attempting to offload former Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez. The Saudi club, under the management of former Inter Milan chief Simone Inzaghi, have recently secured Crysencio Summerville from West Ham in a deal potentially worth £60 million.
World Cup role and Premier League start
Despite serving as England's back-up striker to Harry Kane, Watkins featured just twice at the World Cup. He enjoyed a brief 12-minute run-out against Panama during the group stages before featuring in the second half of England's third-place play-off triumph over France.
Whether Watkins, who netted 21 goals last term, will feature when Villa kick off their Premier League campaign away to Brighton this Sunday remains to be seen. Their opening home fixture pits them against Arsenal on Monday, August 31, just a day before the transfer window slams shut.
