Chelsea Football Club have reportedly entered the race to re-sign Super Eagles defender Ola Aina as he nears his contract expiration in Nottingham Forest, Soccernet.ng reports.
The impressive performance of the 28-year-old right-back Nuno Espirito Santo’s men has piqued the interest of several Premier League clubs, particularly Manchester City, who are seeking to bolster their defensive options this summer.
Although Nottingham Forest have the option to trigger another 12-month contract extension for Aina, that negotiation has been silent as they focus on their European qualification campaign.
Chelsea eye Ola Aina
The Stamford Bridge outfit is looking to bring Aina back to his boyhood club nearly six years after his departure.
According to TBR Football, Chelsea have been closely scouting the 28-year-old in recent weeks and are now keen on signing the Nigerian defender.
Ola Aina: Life At Chelsea
Aina’s professional journey began at Chelsea, where he progressed through the youth academy after joining as an under-11.
He made his first-team debut in a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon in 2014. It can also be recalled when the Nigerian international spoke about being embarrassed at Chelsea while growing in his football career.
“There was only one time I had a bad experience with him, and I thought, this guy. We went on a pre-season tour, we were playing New York Red Bulls. Second half he said, we’re gonna make a change, Ola, you’re coming on. So I came on, and it just wasn’t clicking on my side… he subbed me off. I think I played like ten, 15 minutes… the embarrassment I felt.” Aina said on The Beautiful Game podcast.
Meanwhile, Aina was considered a promising talent under Mourinho’s management, with the former Chelsea boss noting his potential in 2015.
[Photo credit/Imago]
However, seeking more regular first-team football, Aina moved on loan to Hull City in 2017, later joining Torino permanently in 2019.
Forest and Super Eagles: Aina’s Current Form
At Nottingham Forest, Aina has been instrumental in the team’s performance this season with two goals and an assist in 29 games for the club.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him a regular spot in the Nigerian national team, with over 40 caps since his debut in 2017.
Soccernet’s Verdict: Should Aina Consider Stamford Bridge Return?
The Super Eagles defender is currently at his peak and is expected to play a key role in Enzo Maresca’s setup. However, Chelsea’s participation in next season’s UEFA Champions League remains uncertain, while Nottingham Forest still has a fighting chance.
If Aina leaves Forest for Chelsea, he might miss out on the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stage anytime soon.
Moreover, he is already well integrated into the Forest squad, and the team is performing reasonably well. A move to Chelsea may not be the best decision for him at this stage.