Aston Villa are in talks with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal over a deal to transfer striker Ollie Watkins, with the Gulf club seeking a replacement for Karim Benzema.

Al Hilal have already had one offer rejected by Villa, but negotiations are continuing as both clubs work toward a resolution, according to Sky Sports News.

Benzema's uncertain future

Benzema joined Al Hilal from Al Ittihad in February on an 18-month contract, but his future at the club is now in doubt. The Frenchman scored 10 goals in 15 appearances during the second half of last season, and Al Hilal are simultaneously working to resolve his contract situation to allow him to depart.

Watkins' standout campaign

Watkins, 30, enjoyed one of his finest seasons in a Villa shirt last term, netting 16 goals in the Premier League as Aston Villa claimed the UEFA Europa League title and secured further UEFA Champions League football. He was also named in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The striker has been a cornerstone of Villa's attack since his arrival from Brentford in 2020, surpassing 100 goals for the club across all competitions.

A turbulent summer at Villa Park

The potential exit of Watkins is the latest development in what has been a difficult pre-season for Aston Villa. The mood at the club had already been dampened by the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, though a strong performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final provided a brief lift.

New recruit Joao Gomes and 17-year-old Brian Madjo caught the eye in pre-season and impressed again against Paris Saint-Germain, despite the defeat. However, manager Unai Emery has since been dealt further setbacks, with both players picking up injuries ahead of the Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Gomes and Madjo will join Amadou Onana and fellow new signing Johan Manzambi on the injury list, leaving Emery's squad stretched. Meanwhile, Watkins and Ezri Konsa — both linked with moves away — had limited pre-season preparation following extended breaks after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding further uncertainty ahead of Villa's trip to the Amex Stadium.