Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered qualification to the Champions League after 4th place in the Premier League last season is aware, but still not particularly happy that his biggest competitors have significantly greater financial muscle than them.
A few days before the season starts, which for Aston Ville starts away to Brighton on August 23, one of Unai Emery’s most important players is on his way away from Villa Park.
Sevilla is chasing 3rd generation Bodø/Glimt legend
– The 30-year-old could leave Villa after six seasons as top scorer
Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins has reportedly agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal – and could thus become the next big Premier League profile to head to Saudi Arabia.
The transfer is far from complete, but the England international striker is clearly one of several who could leave Villa in this window. Morgan Rogers has already been sold for a record sum, and Emiliano Martínez is also close to an exit. But to lose the club’s top scorer for six straight seasons – it would be a heavy blow for Unai Emery.
Al-Hilal chases Watkins – but must get rid of Benzema first
According to Gianluigi Longari, Al-Hilal are chasing Watkins as an alternative to Victor Osimhen. Now, Sky Sports’ Sachi Tavolieri reports that Watkins has reached an agreement with the Saudis on a contract.
The problem for Al-Hilal? The club must first get rid of Karim Benzema. Tavolieri writes that the management wants to agree with the Frenchman on an exit before they can officially go for Watkins.
Watkins will then join another England striker in Saudi – Ivan Toney already plays for Al-Ahli.
Read: Champions League club fire up bid for Bruno Fernandes and offer Manchester United captain an absolutely wild annual salary
Villa’s attitude: We don’t sell cheap
Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020, after losing the Championship play-off final. Since then, he has delivered double digits in league goals every single season – and become one of the club’s most important players.
Villa have previously rejected interest in the 30-year-old, including from Arsenal (the club Watkins himself cheers for). But now they may be willing to sell – if the bid is good enough.
The club have shown with the Martínez case that they will not be pressured into selling cheaply, and Watkins is valued at around €60 million by Transfermarkt.
Osimhen still Al-Hilal’s dream
Al-Hilal’s first priority, however, is Victor Osimhen, who is also heavily linked with Arsenal. Watkins is seen as a solid option – but the deal is complicated.
Benzema is reportedly difficult to get rid of, and as long as the Frenchman stays, Al-Hilal have no room for a new striker.
Aston Villa open the Premier League season away to Brighton this weekend. The question is whether Watkins is in the squad – or if he has already packed his bags for Saudi Arabia.
