Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina as a potential successor to Kyle Walker, whose recent performances have faced scrutiny during a challenging season for the reigning Premier League champions.
According to The Sun, Guardiola sees Aina as a long-term solution to bolster City’s defensive line as Walker enters the latter stages of his career.
Aina’s impressive displays this season have made him one of Forest’s standout performers, featuring in 19 consecutive Premier League matches.
His consistent form has attracted interest from other clubs, including Galatasaray, where Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen currently plays.
Aina has been instrumental in Forest’s strong campaign, contributing two goals while helping the team climb to second place in the Premier League table following their recent 2-0 victory over Everton.
The Nigerian international’s performances earlier this year earned him a place in the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, further solidifying his reputation as one of the continent’s premier defenders.
Speaking to Match of the Day, Guardiola acknowledged the difficulties his side faces this season, citing the need for reinforcements during the January transfer window.
“We are far away from winning the Premier League,” Guardiola said.
“We accept there’s already no chance of that, but we have other things to fight for: FA Cup, top four… and winning games helps.
City, who have dominated English football by winning six of the last seven Premier League titles, have struggled for form this season.
Before their recent win over Leicester City, they managed only one victory in 13 league games, losing nine during that stretch.
Guardiola expressed relief at ending a five-game winless streak, emphasizing the importance of squad additions.
In some positions, we need help,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Serie A, Atalanta director Tony D’Amico has ruled out selling star players during the January transfer window.
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, has been linked with a move to the Premier League after his scintillating form, including a Europa League hat-trick and contributions to Atalanta’s record 10-game winning streak.
D’Amico reaffirmed Atalanta’s commitment to retaining their squad as the club leads the Serie A standings by a narrow margin over Napoli.
Certainly, the January transfer window is a difficult one for all clubs,” D’Amico stated.
If there are any opportunities, we will go for them, but obviously, we shall be maintaining the full squad that we currently have at our disposal.
As Atalanta aims for its first Serie A title, Lookman remains integral to their campaign, while Manchester City’s pursuit of Aina highlights Guardiola’s focus on rebuilding his side.
