Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea want to sign Manchester City and Liverpool full-back target Ola Aina ahead of next season.
According to a report from TBR, Chelsea are looking to bring Ola Aina back to the club following his impressive performances for Nottingham Forest. While the Blues do have an advantage due to their past relations, they will have to battle it out with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
Aina joined the Chelsea youth setup back in the summer of 2007. He went up the ranks at some pace and made his first team debut in 2015. While he got promoted to their first team the following summer, things didn’t work out for him at the London club.
After several loan spells away from Chelsea, he secured a permanent move to Torino in the summer of 2019 for just £8.7 million. He returned to the Premier League in the summer of 2023, joining Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.
The Nigerian international has only gone from strength to strength since securing a return to the English top flight. He has been one of their top performers this season, playing a key role in their impressive Premier League campaign as they push for a top-four finish.
The 28-year-old’s performances have attracted a lot of interest. While his current deal runs out at the end of the season, the Tricky Trees have the option to extend it by another 12 months, which they will certainly trigger. But they are also pushing for a new deal as they want to secure his long-term future.
Aina could join a bigger PL outfit this summer
Reece James’ injury track record might be one of the biggest reasons why Chelsea are looking to add more quality on the right flank. Their scouts have been keeping a close eye on their academy graduate, Aina, who has been excelling at Nottingham.
The Blues are already putting in a lot of hard work as they look to lure him to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season. However, securing his return won’t be easy, as Nottingham remain firm on their stance, while Manchester City and Liverpool are also in the race for his signature.
Following Kyle Walker’s departure mid-season, City want to bring in a right-sided full-back on a priority basis. Meanwhile, the Reds are looking to prepare for a situation where Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
