Al-Hilal set to test Aston Villa resolve with renewed Ollie Watkins bid

Al-Hilal are preparing a new offer for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they continue their search for a replacement for Karim Benzema, whose future at the Saudi club remains unresolved.

The Saudi Pro League side have identified Watkins as one of their leading targets to strengthen their attack before the summer transfer window closes. Their interest comes as uncertainty continues over Benzema’s long-term position at Al-Hilal, despite the French forward recently saying he intends to remain with the team for now.

Al-Hilal previously made an opening proposal worth about €45m for Watkins, but Aston Villa rejected the offer. Talks have continued, however, because Al-Hilal remain determined to complete the deal and Watkins, 30, is understood to be keen on trying a new experience in the Saudi league.

According to an exclusive report published by TEAMtalk on Friday, Al-Hilal are now preparing an improved financial proposal after negotiations gave them a clearer understanding of Aston Villa’s asking price.

Aston Villa are seeking approximately €65m before agreeing to sell their striker. Sources familiar with the discussions believe that an offer of €60m could nevertheless be enough to secure an agreement between the clubs.

The fact that Al-Hilal have already reached an agreement with Watkins over personal terms is seen as a significant advantage for the club, according to the same report. That leaves the transfer fee as the main issue still to be resolved before the move can progress.

Watkins’ potential arrival is directly linked to Al-Hilal’s plans for the centre-forward position. The club have yet to make a final decision on Benzema, meaning any agreement for the Aston Villa striker would form part of a wider reshaping of the attacking department.

Benzema’s recent comments suggested that he will continue with Al-Hilal at present, but they have not removed the uncertainty surrounding his future. As a result, the club must establish how the Frenchman fits into their plans before finalising the structure of their forward line.

For now, negotiations with Aston Villa remain the immediate focus. Al-Hilal’s first bid was not accepted, but their continued pursuit and the progress made on personal terms have kept the deal alive.

The Saudi club’s next proposal will indicate whether they are prepared to move closer to Aston Villa’s valuation and whether the two sides can reach an agreement for Watkins before the transfer window shuts.