According to The Athletic, Aston Villa have rejected Al-Hilal's latest offer for Watkins, with the player himself pushing for a move to the Saudi professional league club.
Al-Hilal's fourth and most recent offer for the striker was around £45 million ($61.4 million).
30-year-old Watkins has made it clear to Aston Villa that he wants to complete the transfer, and manager Emery admitted on Friday that the club "has run into trouble" with the England international.
“We have received offers for him,” Emery said at a press conference. “He is our player and I don’t want to sell him, but that could change because if it’s a good option for him, it’s a good option for the club, and I can find a replacement. That’s how we always handle things.”
Emery also stated that he did not know whether Watkins would play in Aston Villa's first match of the new season against Brighton on Sunday afternoon.
Tammy Abraham, who replaced Watkins as center forward in the second half of last season, is doubtful for this game due to a groin injury, which poses a potential personnel problem for Emery.
Watkins had previously rejected informal contract offers, but Villa has offered a new contract, planning to extend his current contract, which expires in 2028, for another two years, and hopes this latest offer will make progress.
Manchester United considered signing Watkins last summer but ultimately signed Benjamin Sesco; Arsenal, on the other hand, discussed a potential deal in January 2025.
In preparation for the new Champions League season, Aston Villa have signed attacking midfielder Manzanbi from Freiburg, midfielder João Gomez from Wolves, winger Ganacho from Chelsea, goalkeeper Yuito Suzuki from Parma, and full-back Wan-Bissaka from West Ham United this summer.
If Watkins ultimately leaves, the England international will join Aston Villa's list of departing key players. Morgan Rodgers has already signed with Chelsea, Digne has returned to Paris Saint-Germain, Tielemans has moved to Manchester United, and Konsa is close to joining Arsenal.
Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020 and has made 278 appearances, scoring 108 goals. He was included in Tuchel's England World Cup squad this summer, but only made two substitute appearances during the tournament.
"Each player has their own price."
Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell analyzes
This is far from ideal for Emery. The Spanish coach admitted that Villa underwent more changes this summer than expected. Although he speaks highly of the other departing players, Emery has been keen to retain Watkins this summer, as evidenced by Villa's repeated offers of the striker new contracts.
However, Al-Hilal is still pursuing him, and each player has his own price. Emery has long admired Chelsea striker Nicola Jacson, who could be a potential replacement if Watkins moves to Saudi Arabia.
Emery stated that he doesn't know if Watkins will play against Brighton on Sunday, but given the current situation, it seems unlikely. This further depletes Aston Villa's squad, as Brian Maggio is injured and Abraham's availability is also uncertain.
