Serie A giants plot to return Super Eagles ace to Italy in proposed January move

AS Roma are reportedly prepared to exploit Ola Aina’s contract situation and sign the Nigerian defender as they seek to improve their squad. 

The 28-year-old former Chelsea defender joined Nottingham Forest from Torino in the summer of 2023, signing a short-term contract. The Tricky Trees could stand to rue the decision to hand him a short-term deal, as suitors are now waiting on the prowl. 

The Nigeria international has been remarkable since moving to City Ground, and according to Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santos, they are impressed with his performance level and plan to hand him a new deal. 

Pulse Sports reported that the Portuguese tactician confirmed that the club are eager to intertwine Aina’s future with theirs. The report also stated that Forest planned to hand him a four-year deal. However, they may not get the chance to do so, as Roma are readying to pounce. 

According to the Italian publication La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Ivan Juric, the new Roma boss is keen on reuniting with Aina.

The Croatian manager was Torino's boss from 2021–24 and coached Aina during that period. After replacing Daniele de Rossi as the Giallorossi head coach, he reportedly handed the club's hierarchy a shopping list that includes the Nigerian. 

Aina is currently valued at €12 million, a fee Roma expect to dip in the January transfer window, and they plan to capitalise by making a move for the versatile defender this winter. 

Meanwhile, Aina is currently on international duty with the Super Eagles and is expected to feature chiefly in Nigeria's AFCON qualifier double-header against Libya.