Cristiano Ronaldo has previously voiced his frustration over perceived financial flexibility granted to Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal compared to Al Nassr, and a similar narrative appears to be unfolding once again. While Karim Benzema‘s future remains uncertain, the Riyadh-based powerhouse is reportedly preparing aggressive moves to acquire Premier League stars Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal are actively pursuing signatures for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli. Head coach Simone Inzaghi has been refining his squad strategy, awaiting specific roster moves to finalize his push for the attacking duo.
Watkins was notably absent from Aston Villa’s season opener against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, failing to make the matchday squad that traveled to the American Express Stadium. Speculation mounted regarding whether the striker requested to sit out while his departure was being negotiated, prompting a cryptic response from manager Unai Emery post-match: “I cannot answer this question. Ollie can.“
Romano reports that Watkins has already agreed to personal terms with Al Hilal. Negotiations now rest between the two clubs to reach a transfer agreement, with the Saudi side preparing an improved proposal after Villa rejected an initial £45 million ($59M USD) bid while searching for a potential replacement.
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal FC and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa. (Pau Barrena & Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli stands as Al Hilal‘s other marquee target. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal are holding out for a transfer fee in the region of £60 million ($78M USD). While no formal agreement has been reached, dialogue remains active, with the Brazilian international reportedly open to making the move to Saudi Arabia.
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Much like Watkins, Martinelli was omitted from Arsenal’s squad for the FA Community Shield against Manchester City and their Premier League opener against Coventry City. With two weeks remaining before the summer transfer window closes, both forwards appear poised to remain in transfer limbo until deals are finalized.
Two key departures to clear foreign player slots
Al Hilal have consistently operated as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier financial powerhouses, executing high-profile transfers dating back to Neymar’s landmark arrival in 2023. Unbothered by financial restrictions, the club has already taken steps to clear roster space and international player slots for its incoming targets.
The club sealed the permanent transfer of Brazilian winger Malcom to UAE side Al Jazira while organizing a loan move for Darwin Nunez to newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Al Diriyah. Beyond slashing the wage bill, those two roster adjustments open up two crucial foreign player spots, allowing Al Hilal to fit both Watkins and Martinelli under league squad limits.
The primary variable remains Benzema, whose long-term status at the club hangs in the balance. Reports suggest his exit would be triggered if Al Hilal secure a replacement center forward like Watkins. While the French striker remains under contract with Inzaghi’s squad, recent touchline arguments and friction with the technical staff indicate relations remain strained.
Al Hilal widen financial gap over Ronaldo and rivals
Al Hilal have already established a benchmark during the summer window by securing winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham for €64.5 million ($71M USD). However, landing two established Premier League stars who featured for England and Brazil at the 2026 World Cup would send a massive statement regarding the club’s financial superiority over domestic rivals.
Ronaldo was vocal about the perceived systemic favoritism toward Al Hilal during the Benzema transfer saga last January, briefly staging a two-match strike in protest. Operating under tighter financial constraints, Al Nassr have only been able to complete a deal for Samu Costa while managing several key player exits, creating a stark contrast with their Riyadh rivals.
