Aaron Morris

Aston Villa have offered Ollie Watkins a lucrative contract extension running until 2030 as they seek to resist interest from Al-Hilal, which has made three bids, including a rejected £38 million offer. Watkins has yet to accept the proposal but remains central to Villa's plans after scoring 16 Premier League goals and helping them win the Europa League in 2025/26. The club is also managing the departures or potential departures of several key players, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, Donyell Malen and Ezri Konsa.

Aston Villa have agreed a five-year deal with Parma for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, reportedly worth £25.6 million plus add-ons that could raise the package to about £30 million. The transfer follows the collapse of Paris Saint-Germain’s proposed move after Suzuki’s agents increased their commission demands. Suzuki was reportedly keen on joining Villa, whose move comes as Emiliano Martínez attracts interest from Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester United. Villa could sell Martínez for the right fee or retain him to provide experience during their 2026/27 Champions League and domestic campaigns.