Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has reportedly rejected a new four-year contract as Al-Hilal continue their attempts to sign the England international. The decision increases the likelihood of a summer departure after Villa had offered fresh terms in an effort to keep their leading forward.
Villa have already rejected an improved £45million offer for Watkins, with Al-Hilal repeatedly attempting to negotiate a deal.
However, the latest development suggests their efforts to persuade the striker to remain at Villa Park have failed.
Ollie Watkins contract offer rejected
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reports that Watkins has turned down a proposed four-year contract and informed Villa he wants to move to Saudi Arabia.
The offer would have kept the 30-year-old at Villa Park until 2030.
Villa’s proposal had previously demonstrated their intention to retain Watkins despite significant interest from Al-Hilal. Rejecting those terms represents a clearer indication of the striker’s position.
Watkins did not travel with the Villa squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Brighton.
Unai Emery subsequently declined to explain Watkins’ absence, telling reporters to direct their questions towards the player or his representative.
Sky Sports reports that negotiations between Villa and Al-Hilal remain ongoing, although no transfer agreement has been confirmed.
Aston Villa consider Watkins replacements
Villa are understood to have rejected four approaches from Al-Hilal, including the most recent proposal worth approximately £45m.
TEAMtalk claims the Saudi club are increasingly confident of completing a transfer, but assessments of how close the clubs are to an agreement differ.
Watkins’ reported contract rejection does not guarantee a departure. Villa must still agree an acceptable fee and determine whether they can secure a suitable replacement.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson remains a leading candidate, with Villa having already made a proposal as interest in the £65m-rated forward increased.
The club have also enquired about Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.
With Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo working their way back from injury, Watkins’ future now carries immediate implications for Villa’s meeting with Arsenal on Monday, 31 August.
