Aston Villa have rejected an improved £45million bid from Al-Hilal for Ollie Watkins as the England striker pushes to complete a move to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal have repeatedly attempted to reach an agreement with Villa this week, but their fourth and latest proposal has again fallen short.
The Athletic reports that the new offer was worth around £45million, with Watkins making clear to Aston Villa that he wants the transfer.
It represents another significant escalation in a saga that now threatens to affect Unai Emery’s preparations for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Brighton.
Aston Villa reject improved Ollie Watkins bid
Villa had already rejected an offer worth around £38million earlier in the week.
Read Aston Villa reported on Friday that the club are seeking approximately £55million for Watkins, although sources involved in negotiations believe a figure closer to £50million could ultimately produce an agreement.
Al-Hilal have now moved considerably closer to that range.
Villa have nevertheless rejected the £45million proposal, leaving a gap of around £10million to their reported asking price.
The more significant development concerns Watkins himself.
The 30-year-old had previously been described as open to moving to Saudi Arabia, but The Athletic now reports that he is pushing for the transfer and has made his position clear to Villa.
Emery acknowledged the uncertainty on Friday when he admitted Villa have an “issue” involving their striker.
The Villa head coach said he does not want to sell Watkins but left the door open if a transfer ultimately works for the player, club and squad.
Nicolas Jackson waits as Watkins situation accelerates
Villa have already identified a potential replacement.
Read Aston Villa reported earlier on Friday that Nicolas Jackson has a Villa proposal on the table, while Chelsea are seeking around £65million for the Senegal international.
Ben Jacobs has since reported that Villa are viewed as the frontrunners for Jackson, with Chelsea prioritising a permanent sale.
The two situations are now becoming increasingly connected.
Villa have rejected £45million for Watkins, but their striker wants the Al-Hilal move and his potential replacement is already being lined up.
Another increase from the Saudi club could bring the situation much closer to a conclusion.
