Ola Aina Rules Out Arsenal Move
Nottingham Forest and Nigeria international Ola Aina has brushed off speculation linking him with a transfer to Arsenal, joking that he is “too old” for a move to the North London club.
The 29‑year‑old defender made the light‑hearted comment in a video that appeared online after a Nigerian fan working at Wimbledon asked whether he would consider joining the Gunners.
Aina smiled and replied, “I’m too old for Arsenal,” before turning his focus to the upcoming season.
Background and Recent Form
Aina joined Nottingham Forest from Italian side Torino in the summer of 2023. Prior to that, he spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Fulham after coming through Chelsea’s academy.
During the 2025/26 campaign he made 28 appearances across all competitions for Forest. Although he did not find the net, he contributed an assist in the side’s 2‑1 UEFA Europa League loss to Fenerbahce.
Five‑Goal Target for 2026/27
Determined to improve his goal return, Aina has set a personal target of at least five goals for the 2026/27 season.
He explained, “I need to pray and fast because I did not score any goals last season. The season before I think I had three goal involvements. I need to do some serious prayer and fasting because I need at least five. If I get five, I will be content.”
The versatile full‑back, who began his career as a right winger before moving into defence, also recalled interest from Manchester City during the January 2025 transfer window after a strong 2024/25 Premier League season in which he scored twice and added one assist in 35 league outings.
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