Manchester City have identified Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina as an ideal replacement for Kyle Walker.
Manchester City have started the search for Kyle Walker’s long-term replacement and according to a report from The Sun, Pep Guardiola’s team have added Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina to their wishlist.
Aina returned to the Premier League in the summer of 2023. He joined the Tricky Trees on a free transfer after his contract at Torino ran out. While things didn’t go according to plan for him at Chelsea back in the day, he has established himself as a key figure at Nottingham.
The Blues’ academy graduate has been involved in 41 matches over the last 18 months and has contributed towards four goals. He seems to have taken his game to the next level this season. Aina has featured on both flanks, he has been a rock at the back and has even contributed to the attacking side of things.
His performances have put him on the radar of Manchester City who are looking to prepare for life without Kyle Walker. The former Tottenham star has been one of the mainstays of Guardiola’s team over the last seven years but it seems age is finally catching up to him.
Aina to replace Walker at City?
The 34-year-old is in the twilight of his career and City feel the need to bring in a new right-back. They feel Aina has the qualities to take over from the English international. His ability to feature on both flanks suits Guardiola and they are looking to push for his signature.
While Aina is quite happy at Nottingham and is not really looking to push for a move away from the club, things could get complicated once City make a concrete move. The 28-year-old had only signed a two-year deal with the Tricky Trees and with his contract running out at the end of the season, the Premier League giants could look to sign him on a free transfer.
The Chelsea graduate is quite a popular figure among the City Ground fans and he isn’t really interested in a move away. But, it will be very hard for him to ignore interest from Guardiola’s team.