Aston Villa have turned down a £38million offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for striker Ollie Watkins. The 30-year-old England international has now been the subject of three bids from Al-Hilal, with personal terms reportedly already agreed.
Watkins' pre-season absence
Watkins did not feature in pre-season for Villa and missed last week's UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain. He was given additional time off following the World Cup, alongside Villa team-mates Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez, whose futures are also uncertain.
Villa rejected Al-Hilal's latest proposal on Tuesday night, but the Premier League club are braced for another improved bid. Unai Emery's side have already lost key players this summer, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, bringing in a combined £159.5m from those sales.
Interest from other clubs
Watkins was the subject of interest from Manchester United and Arsenal last year, while Turkish club Fenerbahce were keen to sign him earlier this summer before turning their attention to Romelu Lukaku. After being handed a new contract in 2024, Watkins has two years left on his deal at Villa Park.
The 30-year-old would receive a significant pay rise if he joins Al-Hilal, who are looking to sell former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. The Saudi side, managed by ex-Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, recently signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham in a deal worth up to £60m.
England and Villa prospects
Despite being England's second-choice striker behind Harry Kane, Watkins only made two appearances at the World Cup. He played 12 minutes against Panama in the group stage and the second half of England's third-place play-off victory over France.
It is unclear whether Watkins, who scored 21 goals last season, will be involved when Villa start their Premier League campaign away to Brighton on Sunday. Their first home game comes against Arsenal on Monday, August 31, a day before the transfer window closes.
Villa are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League, particularly in defence with Konsa wanted by Arsenal. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to join on loan from West Ham, while Villa agreed a £30m deal with Parma for Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Suzuki was expected to replace Martinez, but talks over a move to Juventus broke down, leaving the Villa goalkeeper in limbo.
