January Transfer Window: Milan, Roma Battle For Ola Aina

Milan, Roma Battle For Ola Aina

Ibrahim Lateef

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina could quit Nottingham Forest with report linking him to a move back to the Italian Serie A, as AC Milan and Roma are up for a battle for him in the January transfer window, BSNSports.com.ng has sourced.

The Nigerian will be out of contract at the City Ground next summer with a new long-term deal set to be offered to the 28-year-old.

Aina has already been linked with Roma, but now their rivals AC Milan have stepped into the picture according to Italian publication AS Roma Live, who say Aina is “popular” inside the club due to his contract situation but also his versatility which allows him to operate on either flank.

After joining Forest as a free agent in the summer of 2023, he impressed under manager Nuno Espírito Santo and earned a one-year extension which many clubs have been monitoring as it slowly runs down this season.

Milan is “remaining vigilant” about the Nigeria international’s contract situation, but Roma has Aina as “one of the first names” on their transfer wish list, with this January being the time to pry the defender away from the Premier League side.

Aina spoke about a potential move last month but indicated that he is loyal to Forest at the present moment.

"All I can say is I am really happy at Forest," he said. "Fantastic club, I feel at home and we're just building. I'm building, the club's building. Let's just see what happens in the future."