Al-Hilal pushing for Watkins and Martinelli transfers

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The Football Faithful

·23 August 2026

Al-Hilal pushing for Watkins and Martinelli transfers

Al-Hilal are working on a double deal to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.

The Saudi Pro League side have made the Premier League pair their top priorities before the transfer deadline as Simone Inzaghi looks to overhaul his attack.

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Watkins was left out of the Aston Villa squad for their Premier League opener at Brighton as transfer talks continue, with Villa already assessing replacements.

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is on the club’s radar, if Al-Hilal meet their asking price for Watkins.

Al-Hilal have also opened talks with Gabriel Martinelli, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Arsenal winger was also excluded from his side’s squad for their opening Premier League fixture, with the Gunners open to a sale.

The Brazilian has less than a year on his current contract, though Arsenal have set an asking price of £60m. Arsenal turned down a £38.4m bid from Galatasaray for Martinelli earlier this summer.

Al-Hilal are looking to sign attackers before the transfer deadline after allowing Darwin Nunez to leave for Saudi rivals Al-Diriyah. Karim Benzema, however, has insisted he is staying at the club despite talk of a potential exit.