Aston Villa reject Al Hilal opening bid for Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa have turned down a formal offer from Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal for Ollie Watkins.

According to The Athletic, Villa received a £38.5 million bid for the England international but have made it clear they’re not interested in doing business.

Villa have already been picked apart this summer and are reluctant to lose any more key players, especially with the 2026/27 Premier League curtain-raiser on the horizon.

Watkins is considered an important part of Unai Emery’s plans for Villa despite being in his early 30s.

The Englishman had another impressive campaign for Villa last term, scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions.

He also hit double digits in the Premier League, scoring 16 times to fire Villa to Champions League football with a fourth-placed finish.

Villa are in a strong negotiating position and are extremely reluctant to lose Watkins, although a bid that’s above the striker’s market price may be too good for the Lions to turn down.

Despite being rebuffed, Al Hilal aren’t throwing in the towel as they believe there’s a chance they could still sign the ‘fantastic‘ striker before the transfer window closes.

They have reportedly received positive signals from Watkins’ representatives, although Villa have refused to budge on their ‘not for sale’ stance.

Watkins still has two years left on the contract he signed in October 2023 and has continued to train with the rest of Emery’s first team squad.

However, that doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of a summer exit.

Watkins has been in high demand for the past couple of years, with Manchester United and Arsenal among clubs previously interested in the striker.

United considered signing him last summer before choosing Benjamin Sesko, while Arsenal discussed a potential mid-season deal in January 2025.

Watkins was also linked with a move to Turkey earlier in the transfer window, but he could remain a Villan for at least one more season.