Aston Villa reject nearly £40m Al-Hilal offer for Ollie Watkins with three signings close | OneFootball

Aston Villa have rejected a bid worth nearly £40m from Al-Hilal for Ollie Watkins, days before the Premier League season. A further approach is expected.

Villa are determined to keep their leading scorer across the past six seasons, although Watkins’s future is now uncertain. According to ExpressAndStar.com, the England striker has two years left on the contract he signed in 2023.

Watkins, 30, scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, finishing with 12 in his final 13 appearances.

Villa also face doubts over other players, including Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez. Konsa is a target for Arsenal, while Martinez’s No 1 status will be threatened by the imminent arrival of Zion Suzuki.

The Japan international is expected to complete a deal worth around £30m on Wednesday. Villa are also signing left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid and have agreed a loan deal with West Ham for right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The 28-year-old is due to undergo a medical on Wednesday ahead of a move that includes a conditional obligation to buy. Villa start their league campaign at Brighton on Sunday.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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