Aston Villa in Talks with Al Hilal Over Ollie Watkins Transfer

Aston Villa is in talks with Al Hilal over a potential transfer of striker Ollie Watkins, who is keen on the move. The Saudi club has already seen a €45m offer rejected by Villa, but negotiations remain ongoing.

Why it Matters for Aston Villa

The transfer of Ollie Watkins would be a significant blow to Aston Villa, who need to sign a replacement. The club has already confirmed the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki, but the loss of Watkins would be a major setback.

What Comes Next?

The talks between Aston Villa and Al Hilal are ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether a deal will be reached. The Saudi club is looking to find a solution to sign Watkins, but the English striker is keen on the move.

Aston Villa has a long-term interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and that remains the case with two weeks left of the window. The club has already confirmed the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki, with Ruggeri joining from Atletico Madrid for £21.4m and Suzuki from Parma for £29.9m.

The doom and gloom mood of pre-season following the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans was momentarily lifted with the performance of Aston Villa against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final. New signing Joao Gomes and 17-year-old Brian Madjo have impressed in pre-season and stood out once again against PSG, despite the loss.

However, Unai Emery was dealt another blow when reports emerged of injuries for both players as they approach the season opener against Brighton. They will now join both Amadou Onana and new signing Johan Manzambi on the sidelines.

It has been a summer of change at Villa Park and navigating key player exits is difficult enough. Injuries and the absence of any form of pre-season for Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, who have been linked with moves away, due to their extended World Cup breaks now mean both the line-up and performance itself could throw up a few surprises at the Amex Stadium.

Aston Villa has a long-term interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and that remains the case with two weeks left of the window. The club has already confirmed the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki, with Ruggeri joining from Atletico Madrid for £21.4m and Suzuki from Parma for £29.9m.

The club is currently 20 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race, with 56 goals scored and 49 conceded this season. Aston Villa's recent form has been impressive, with four wins and one draw in their last five games, and they are on a four-game winning run.

Aston Villa's next fixture is against Hull City away on September 5, and it remains to be seen whether the team will be able to continue their winning form.

League Standing

Aston Villa is currently 4th in the Premier League, with 65 points from 38 games last season, and they are 20 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race.

Recent Form

Aston Villa's recent form has been impressive, with four wins and one draw in their last five games, and they are on a four-game winning run.

Next Fixture

Aston Villa's next fixture is against Hull City away on September 5.

Last Result

Aston Villa's last result was a 2-1 win over Manchester City on May 24.