The Ollie Watkins transfer could move closer this week as Al-Hilal prepare a fresh offer worth approximately £50million for the Aston Villa striker.
talkSPORT reports that the Saudi Pro League club remain confident of signing Watkins despite having four previous proposals rejected.
Their latest offer was worth £45million. A new bid approaching £50million could reportedly meet Villa’s valuation, provided Unai Emery’s side secure a suitable replacement first.
£50m Ollie Watkins transfer offer expected
Al-Hilal’s continued confidence shows that Watkins’ return to Aston Villa training has not ended their pursuit.
The 30-year-old apologised to his teammates on Monday after missing the 4-0 defeat against Brighton. He can now prepare for the Arsenal fixture, but his longer-term future remains unresolved.
Watkins has also rejected a proposed four-year Villa contract and previously made clear that he would welcome the move to Al-Hilal.
Villa have maintained that they do not want to sell their leading striker. However, the reported £50million threshold suggests their position could soften if the club can complete a replacement deal.
No fifth offer has yet been confirmed. The current development is that Al-Hilal are expected to return with another proposal this week.
Aston Villa accelerate Watkins replacement search
Villa’s activity on Tuesday demonstrates why a replacement remains central to the negotiations.
The club have submitted an opening bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta, although Crystal Palace value the France international significantly higher.
Reports now place Villa’s proposal at approximately £25million and Palace’s asking price at £40million, leaving a £15million gap.
Nicolas Jackson is another established centre-forward under consideration. Sky Sports reports that Chelsea value the Senegal international at £65million and expect a permanent transfer.
Villa are also monitoring Ligue 1 top scorer Estéban Lepaul, but Rennes currently have no intention of selling him.
Rafael Leão provides a different profile. Villa have opened talks with AC Milan over the Portugal international, although he generally operates from the left rather than as a direct Watkins replacement.
Until Villa secure another striker, accepting Al-Hilal’s next proposal would leave Emery dangerously short in attack. Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are working back from injury, while Villa failed to record a shot on target without Watkins at Brighton.
The expected £50million offer could therefore bring the clubs closer financially. Whether the Ollie Watkins transfer proceeds may now depend on Villa completing one of their own attacking deals first.
