Premier League champions Manchester City have made a shock move for Nigeria Super Eagles defender to replace their right-back Kyle Walker, MySportDab reports.
Walker has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s squad that has dominated the English top flight in the last six seasons.
However, sources close to the club have revealed a search has begun for his replacement as he nears the twilights of his career.
And another Premier League and Nigeria Super Eagles defender has emerged as a priority replacement option for the English defender in the Cityzen’s defensive setup.
According to The Sun, Chelsea Academy graduate and Nigeria international Ola Aina is the Premier League champions’ target to replace Walker.
Ola Aina endured a lean period on his career with Chelsea from 2015 to 2019 before the recent breakthrough.
He was loaned to three different clubs – Hull City, Torino, and Fulham – before a permanent move to Nottingham Forest in 2023 saw him revive his career.
He has made 43 Premier League appearances for the Tricky Trees, scoring 3 goals. This season, he has made 19 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and has been an integral part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s revamped squad who are pushing earnestly for a top-four finish.
Just like Walker, Ola Aina is known for his incredible speed and attacking flair and his recent performance has made him a top target for City to step into the shoes of Walker.
He signed a one-year contract with Nottingham Forest which will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season but have an additional one-year contract extension clause attached.
It is still unclear whether the Tricky Trees will trigger the extension clause or lose the player on free transfer next summer.
