Aston Villa have reportedly offered Ollie Watkins a lucrative new contract until 2030 as they attempt to fend off mounting interest in the England striker.
The 30-year-old has emerged as a target for several clubs this summer following another prolific campaign at Villa Park.
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have shown the strongest interest and have already submitted three offers for Watkins as they attempt to lure him away from the Premier League.
Their latest proposal, believed to be worth £38million, was rejected by Villa.
And the Midlands club have now made their intentions clear by offering Watkins a significant contract extension which would keep him at Villa Park until 2030, according to Birmingham Live.
The striker still has two years remaining on his existing agreement, meaning Villa are under no immediate contractual pressure to sell.
Watkins has yet to accept the new terms, but the offer underlines how determined Unai Emery’s side are to retain one of their most important players ahead of another Champions League campaign.
The England international was instrumental in Villa’s impressive 2025-26 season.
Aston Villa have reportedly offered Ollie Watkins a lucrative new contract until 2030 as they attempt to fend off mounting interest in the England striker
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PA
Watkins scored 16 times across 37 Premier League appearances as Emery’s men secured a fourth-place finish and qualification for Europe’s elite competition.
He also played a decisive role in their Europa League triumph.
Watkins struck five goals and provided two assists across 15 appearances as Villa lifted the trophy, adding European silverware to an outstanding campaign.
Keeping him has therefore become increasingly important following a summer of major upheaval at Villa Park.
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Several influential members of Emery’s squad have already departed, with Morgan Rogers completing a blockbuster £117m move to Chelsea.
Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United, while Lucas Digne has returned to Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent basis.
Donyell Malen has also moved to Roma after previously spending time with the Italian club on loan.
Villa could yet suffer another significant departure before the transfer window closes.
England defender Ezri Konsa is poised to join Premier League champions Arsenal in a deal worth around £51m.
The potential loss of Konsa has left Villa searching for another centre-back, increasing the importance of maintaining stability elsewhere in Emery’s squad.
Watkins has established himself as Villa’s leading attacking figure since joining from Brentford in 2020.
Ollie Watkins has established himself as an Aston Villa legend during his time at the club
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PA
His goals have been crucial to the club’s transformation under Emery, with Villa progressing from the middle of the Premier League table to competing for major honours domestically and in Europe.
Their Europa League success has now secured another opportunity to challenge in the Champions League, where Emery will require proven attacking quality if Villa are to make a serious impact.
Al-Hilal’s repeated attempts to sign Watkins demonstrate the interest surrounding the forward.
But having rejected three approaches and now put a new long-term contract on the table, Villa have sent a clear message that they intend to keep their striker.
The decision now rests with Watkins as he considers the opportunity to commit his future to Villa until 2030.
