Saudi Pro League Leaders Close in on Watkins
Al-Hilal are confident of finalising a deal for England striker Ollie Watkins after the forward confirmed to Aston Villa that he wants to leave for the Middle East, according to TEAMtalk. The Saudi club have already had up to four bids rejected by Villa, but sources with knowledge of the negotiations have indicated that a deal is now understood to be close.
Watkins has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal and has made his desire to move to Saudi Arabia clear to Villa. The 29-year-old has also turned down a new four-year contract from Villa as he looks to bring his time at the club to an end. Al-Hilal turned to Watkins after holding exploratory talks over moves for Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
His decision has had a major impact on Villa's plans. Watkins was not considered for Sunday's trip to Brighton after barely training in the build-up to the match, and Villa travelled without a recognised senior striker for the game, which they went on to lose 4-0. Villa boss Unai Emery declined to comment on Watkins' absence, saying: "This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence." Asked whether Watkins had refused to play, Emery added: "I think you call his agent and he can respond."
Benzema's Future at Al-Hilal Hangs in the Balance
While the Watkins deal moves forward, Al-Hilal are also facing decisive hours over the future of French striker Karim Benzema. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in the last winter transfer window after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad. However, he has struggled to deliver the levels the fans crave, with repeated talk that he has failed to fully gel with the ideas of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi.
A source close to Al-Hilal told Kooora that the coming hours will be decisive in settling Benzema's position, with the strong tendency towards ending the contractual relationship through a financial settlement. Should Al-Hilal reach a final agreement with Watkins and complete the settlement with Benzema, Benzema is expected to receive more than 100 million euros for ending his contract.
Saudi broadcaster Waleed Al-Faraj said: "Al-Hilal have largely wrapped up the Watkins deal, and the player will appear in the team's ranks during the coming period." Al-Faraj also predicted that Watkins will appear in the Al-Hilal shirt during the Al-Ahli clásico scheduled for 1 September.
Villa Target Jackson as Replacement
Aston Villa are targeting Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson as a replacement for Ollie Watkins, according to TEAMtalk. Villa have been the club working hardest on a permanent deal for Jackson, and Unai Emery has spoken directly with the player, whom he knows well from their time together at Villarreal. Jackson is keen on the possibility of reuniting with his former coach.
However, Villa's attempts to complete the Jackson transfer have been complicated by UEFA's new 45-day rule, which can treat transfers between the same two clubs within that period as linked transactions under the new squad-cost ratio regulations.
Chelsea have set their asking price for Jackson at around £65 million and have made it clear they have no intention of agreeing another loan for the 25-year-old. Jackson has little desire to spend another season away from his parent club after playing on loan at Bayern Munich last term. He is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes, with a growing market for his services.
Atletico Madrid have seen a loan offer for Jackson rejected by Chelsea and are firmly involved in the situation as they look for a forward. Tottenham have made enquiries about Jackson in recent weeks, and Turkish club Trabzonspor have also shown an interest. Jackson has already turned down the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Other Transfer Activity
Al-Hilal are also working on another major Premier League deal and are in talks with Arsenal over Gabriel Martinelli, according to TEAMtalk. The Saudi club are reportedly considering a move for the Brazilian winger as they look to strengthen their squad further.