Italian giants AS Roma have joined the race to sign in-form Nigeria defender Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma have made initial contact with Aina’s representatives after failing to reach an agreement with Ajax for Devyne Rensch.
The Giallorossi’s interest adds to a growing list of suitors for the versatile full-back, with Premier League champions Manchester City and Turkish giants Galatasaray already monitoring his situation.
Aina, whose current contract with Forest expires in 2025, has been in scintillating form this season, helping the Tricky Trees climb to second place in the Premier League, just six points behind leaders Liverpool.
The 28-year-old has started all 20 league games this campaign, scoring against West Ham and Brentford, while his defensive prowess was again on display in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool, where he made a crucial goal-line clearance.
His performances have earned him a place in Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher’s Team of the Season so far, with his attacking output – five goals in 75 Premier League appearances – particularly impressive for a defender.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo recently expressed his desire to retain the Chelsea academy graduate amid growing interest from potential suitors.
“You never know what is going to happen in the transfer window, but our goal is to keep our players intact,” Nuno told Sky Sports.
“That is difficult because clubs are looking at all the possibilities, with us included on that. This is our priority.”
City are reportedly considering the Nigerian as a potential replacement for veteran right-back Kyle Walker, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Galatasaray reporter Kutlu Akpınar confirmed the Turkish champions’ interest.
“Galatasaray is looking for a right-back. One of these names is Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest,” Akpınar told TRT Spor.
“Galatasaray have not made an official offer to this name yet, but he is one of the players they are interested in. I see it as a difficult transfer.”
Man City expert Steven McInerney believes signing Aina would be a “no-brainer” for the champions, particularly given his market value of €14m.
“Feels a no-brainer for me. Their contract expiring, at his peak, versatile, brilliant going forward, and solid defensively. I know he’s 28 but there’s a minimum of three years there and he’d be great value,” McInerney told Sportsmole.