Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are very optimistic about securing the services of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

According to TEAMtalk, Al-Hilal are increasingly confident of completing a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after the England international made his desire to move to Saudi Arabia clear.

The Saudi Pro League giants have already agreed personal terms with Watkins, who has also rejected a new four-year contract offer from the Premier League outfit. With the Englishman now pushing for an exit, Al-Hilal believe a deal is edging closer despite Aston Villa rejecting multiple offers.

Al-Hilal turned their attention towards Watkins after exploring potential moves for Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen. The 30-year-old has subsequently emerged as their preferred attacking target and is now understood to be preparing for a move to the Middle East.

Watkins’s stance has already had a significant impact on Aston Villa’s plans. He was left out of the squad for their trip to Brighton after barely training in the build-up. Emery’s team subsequently suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the Amex, as they were without a recognised senior striker.

Unai Emery opens up on Watkins saga

Emery was asked directly about Watkins’s absence after the match, but declined to comment clearly.

“This question is for him,” Emery said via before adding, “Can you call him and make a question to him?”

When pressed on whether Watkins’s absence was the player’s decision rather than his own, Emery again refused to elaborate.

“Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”

The Spanish coach did, however, stress the importance of the players who remained committed to the club.

“The players that are here, they showed it, their commitment and it’s really fantastic and this is the way. Of course losing, but this is the way.”

Emery acknowledged that Villa now have limited time to find solutions before the transfer window closes.

“We know, we had it before here. We had it in different moments. In four years we had it maybe five times in different circumstances,” he added.

“But we are going forward, moving always forward. My responsibility is to try to analyse, to find solutions and for the transfer window we have 10 days to find solutions, and we have then of course a way to find solutions with the players we have and we are doing [that].

“We did a fantastic match against PSG in the only official match we played, and today the first 10-15 minutes and the second half how we responded through our commitment, through our keeping up our focus and motivation, this is the best response I can find today. And then try to continue to find solution tactically and find solution with the some needs in the squad. We always recover and came back from situations like that and I’m confident we will now.”

Al-Hilal keep pushing for Watkins

Despite Aston Villa’s reluctance to sell, Al-Hilal have already submitted as many as four offers for Watkins, all of which have been rejected. However, sources suggest the two clubs are nearing an agreement. While the transfer fee has been an obstacle, the Englishman’s stance will certainly help the Saudi club during negotiations in the coming days.

Watkins arrived from Brentford for £28 million in 2020. He has since featured in 278 matches and has contributed towards 155 goals (108 goals, 47 assists). The 30-year-old was one of their standout performers last season, as he finished with 21 goals and five assists in 55 appearances.

Given his importance in the Aston Villa setup, the club will have to look for a top-level replacement in the final days if they want to ensure they can build on all the success they have had under Emery. With Watkins wanting the move, personal terms already agreed, and negotiations now focused primarily on the fee, the final hurdle remains price.