Aston Villa have received an official €45million (£39m) bid from Al-Hilal for Ollie Watkins as the Saudi Pro League club step up their attempt to sign the striker.
The proposal includes add-ons and represents the first formal offer placed on the table following days of discussions over the England international.
Watkins is understood to be keen on joining Al-Hilal, leaving the final decision over a potential transfer with Villa.
Villa have already rejected two approaches from the Saudi club, but they must now decide how to respond to an official €45m package.
Aston Villa receive official Ollie Watkins bid
The development significantly increases the pressure surrounding Watkins’ future.
Read Aston Villa reported earlier on Tuesday that Watkins had agreed personal terms over a potential move to Al-Hilal, although no formal offer had been submitted at that stage.
Villa’s position subsequently appeared clear, with the club intending to retain Watkins as part of Unai Emery’s plans.
That stance is now set to be tested.
Al-Hilal’s €45m package remains below the €60m valuation previously reported around Watkins, meaning Villa could still reject the proposal and demand significantly more.
The player’s willingness to make the switch adds another complication.
Watkins remains contracted at Villa Park until 2028 and has been central to Emery’s attack, making a departure immediately before the Premier League campaign a significant sporting decision.
Villa would also need to consider whether there is sufficient time to secure another forward should they sanction his exit.
For the first time in the latest Al-Hilal pursuit, however, Villa now have a formal proposal sitting on the table.
Their response to the €45m offer could determine whether Watkins remains at Villa Park or moves significantly closer to a shock Saudi Arabia switch.
