Al Hilal plot £100m Premier League raid to dethrone Ronaldo's Al Nassr

Saudi giants Al Hilal are making a serious raid on the Premier League as they push to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in a massive double swoop.

And these are not just loose transfer rumours. Respected journalists David Ornstein, Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs have all reported on Al Hilal's attempts to strengthen their attack with Premier League stars.

Al Hilal have opened talks for Martinelli and are reportedly prepared to offer close to £50 million for the Brazilian winger.

Martinelli is now seriously considering a move to Saudi Arabia after previously receiving an approach last summer. Arsenal are also prepared to sanction his departure.

There was already interest from elsewhere. Turkish giants Galatasaray had earlier agreed a fee with Arsenal, but Martinelli was not keen on the move. This time, however, a transfer could become a reality, with Al Hilal able to offer him a huge financial package. The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 and has made 278 first-team appearances, scoring 62 goals.

Martinelli is not their only major Premier League target.

Al Hilal are also pushing hard to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with their latest bid reportedly worth around €53 million, approximately £45 million.

Watkins was left out of Aston Villa's squad against Brighton as talks with the Saudi club continued.

The England striker has reportedly agreed personal terms with Al Hilal and wants the move.

Villa are reluctant to sell one of their most important players, but the financial package being offered to Watkins could make the situation complicated. With a huge salary on the table, it is easy to understand why the striker would be tempted by the move.

If Al Hilal manage to sign both Watkins and Martinelli, they could spend close to £100 million on the Premier League duo alone.

And Al Hilal might not stop there.

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is also on their radar, although that deal looks much more difficult. Chelsea reportedly value the Portuguese winger at around £100 million, which could become a major stumbling block.

For now, Martinelli and Watkins appear to be the more realistic possibilities.

Al Hilal's ambition is clear. They want to build a squad capable of taking the Saudi Pro League title back from Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr this season.

Signing Martinelli and Watkins would be a huge statement.