Ola Aina’s consistent sterling performances for Nottingham Forest and Nigeria have attracted the interest of AS Roma, who have him on a list of targets, according to Nottingham Forest News.
The Premier League club is reportedly looking for at least £8 million for the wingback, with whom they are currently in advanced talks to sign a new deal at the City Ground, which is just reward for his performances in the red shirt.
Aina, 28, played in the Serie A from 2018 to 2023 in the colours of Torino on loan from Chelsea. The club made his transfer permanent after impressing in the 2018-19 season and played there until 2023, scoring twice in a total of 102 appearances.
Nottingham Forest have seen the very best of Aina in the current Premier League campaign, and it was more of the same on international duty for Nigeria against Libya on Friday, providing solidity for the Super Eagles defence in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D tie at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Aina joined Forest on a free transfer last summer, and he’s not looked back since, becoming a guaranteed starter under Nuno Espirito Santo.
His versatility is something that the gaffer really likes, with the Nigerian international being used at left back and right back so far this season.
Ian Wright was even amazed by Aina’s defensive display against Liverpool, where Forest managed to come away with a 1-0 win at Anfield.
He’s in a rich vein of form, and that was evident against Libya, where he received praise for a decent display at left-back.
Aina played the full 90 minutes, had 74 touches, a passing accuracy of 95%, completed three of his three long balls, completed one of his three crosses, committed two fouls, lost possession nine times, won three duels, made two tackles, and made one interception.
Tying him down to a new deal would be brilliant business for Forest to help fend off any interest as the January transfer window approaches.
He’s a massive part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans and is a handy player to have with his versatility in defence.
Credit: punchng.com