AS Roma is reportedly eyeing a January transfer for Nigerian international defender Ola Aina, currently with Nottingham Forest, as the Italian side seeks to enhance its right flank options. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma is particularly interested in Aina, who previously played for Torino and has a contract with Forest that runs until June 2025. The Giallorossi are motivated by a desire to solidify their defensive capabilities, especially since their current right-back, Saud Abdulhamid, is still acclimating to the demands of Italian football and struggling to secure a starting position over Zeki Celik.
Aina’s versatility is a significant factor in Roma’s interest; he is capable of playing effectively on both wings. Reports suggest that Roma is willing to offer between €12 million and €15 million for the defender’s transfer. However, they might push for a negotiation to lower this amount. In an intriguing twist, Roma is also contemplating incorporating Polish winger Nicola Zalewski into a player-plus-cash deal to make their proposal more attractive to Nottingham Forest. This strategy could potentially expedite the negotiation process and increase the chances of securing Aina’s signature.
Nonetheless, Nottingham Forest may be hesitant to release Aina amid his standout performances this season. The defender has proven to be a vital component of their backline, earning recognition for his consistent displays and versatility across defensive roles. One notable instance was during Forest’s shocking 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, where Aina was praised by Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who acknowledged his ability to neutralize the threats posed by Liverpool’s in-form winger Luis Diaz, underscoring Aina’s defensive prowess.
Aina’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by the Nottingham Forest hierarchy either. Chief football officer Ross Wilson has publicly commended the defender’s impact since his arrival last summer, both in terms of performance on the pitch and his positive influence within the dressing room. These endorsements underscore Aina’s importance to the team and could influence the club’s decision on his future.
In light of his impressive form, Nottingham Forest is reportedly planning to open negotiations for a new contract for Aina in the upcoming weeks. This anticipated move would likely complicate AS Roma’s efforts to land the defender, particularly as it could elevate his market value. Aina’s rising profile, bolstered by his standout performances in critical matches, makes it clear that Forest sees him as an integral part of their plans moving forward.
Overall, the situation surrounding Ola Aina is dynamic and multifaceted, as AS Roma positions itself to secure a talented defender while Nottingham Forest strives to retain a key player whose influence has grown significantly since joining the club. With both clubs navigating their needs and ambitions, the upcoming January transfer window promises to be a pivotal period in which Aina’s future will be closely monitored and debated.
