Aston Villa Star Ollie Watkins Faces Wait Over Saudi Move

Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal cannot make an offer for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins until Karim Benzema's future is resolved, leaving the Villa man facing a wait.

Al Hilal have already secured Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United following their relegation and are now casting their eyes towards another Premier League star to bolster their ranks.

Watkins, who has made more than 270 appearances for Aston Villa and played a key role in their Europa League triumph last season, appears increasingly likely to be on the move this summer.

The English striker, who has two years remaining on his Villa contract, has been sounded out over a move to the Kingdom Arena after Fenerbahce previously showed interest before being deterred by his price tag.

The 30-year-old is even said to have given the green light to the move to the Blue Power, leaving only a club-to-club agreement to be reached.

However, a potential stumbling block has now emerged, with Al Hilal needing to clear space in their frontline before they can enter firm negotiations for the Villa star.

According to Sky Switzerland, the Saudi Pro League club cannot make an offer for Watkins until they resolve Benzema's situation.

The French striker, who joined the club on a free transfer earlier this year, has one year remaining on his contract and has been identified as a priority departure for Al Hilal.

However, with Benzema tied to the Saudi Pro League until next summer, an agreement must be reached to sanction his exit, with Al Hilal considering a financial settlement with the veteran forward.

The settlement could be tricky, with some of Benzema's salary tied up in deals to promote the league and not just at club level.

Benzema has made 14 appearances across all competitions since arriving at the Kingdom Arena, scoring ten goals and providing five assists.

The Frenchman was also named in the starting lineup at the weekend, finding the net in Al Hilal's 4-2 victory over Al Faisaly.

With just weeks remaining in the window, it remains to be seen how Benzema's departure will affect Al Hilal's pursuit of Watkins and, in turn, Aston Villa's transfer plans this summer.

Emery is also keen to bring in a replacement, with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson emerging as his preferred option, and Villa will hope Benzema's situation is resolved swiftly so they can use any funds from Watkins' departure to help finance their pursuit.

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