Aston Villa have made a quiet start to the summer transfer window, with only one confirmed signing so far.
Dutch forward Zepiqueno Redmond arrived on a free transfer from Feyenoord on July 1.
Villa have also made move for Brest’s Goalkeeper Marco Bizot, who is expected to be announced soon.
Manager Unai Emery wants more new faces before Villa begin their pre-season tour of the United States but progress has been slow.
Villa must first sell players to raise funds and open space in the squad. Emi Buendía, Leon Bailey, Kosta Nedeljkovic, and Louie Barry could all leave.
Benfica are close to signing Enzo Barrenechea after his successful loan at Valencia, while Fenerbahce are showing interest in Bailey, who could reunite with former teammates under Jose Mourinho.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Now, attention has turned to a possible high-profile departure.
Aston Villa star on radar of Al Hilal
Al Hilal have registered their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins but are yet to table an official a bid, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Watkins, who joined Villa in 2020 from Brentford, has developed into a key man for the club, scoring 87 goals and assisting a further 42 in 223 appearances.
🚨🔵 Al Hilal will surely sign new striker this summer as part of the plans for Simone Inzaghi.
No contacts took place so far for Dušan Vlahović despite links while Al Hilal made an enquiry for Ollie Watkins earlier this week; no formal bids so far. pic.twitter.com/XWNfqgbfqU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2025
He scored 17 goals in the 2024/25 season, while also chipping in with 14 assists in all competitions
He is also now Villa’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League era, and still has three years left on his contract.
Villa are not expected to entertain offers unless a substantial bid is placed, but the situation could develop quickly if Al Hilal decide to step up their interest.
Aston Villa news and related links
