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4 hours ago
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Liverpool will be in the summer transfer market looking for several players but the right-back looks like a priority at the moment.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold rumoured to leave the club at the end of the season and join Real Madrid, the Reds need someone who can step up and replace the England international.
One of Liverpool's academy graduates, Alexander-Arnold, was in a similar situation to Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk with his contract expiring this summer. However, the two experienced players extended their contracts, but the 26-year-old is expected to leave for Real Madrid for free.
Therefore, Liverpool are in the market to sign a right-back this summer and one of the prime targets is from the Premier League itself. The Reds are interested in signing Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina, as per reports on Caughtoffside.
Apart from the Premier League leaders, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle are also monitoring the 28-year-old.
The former Chelsea player would be a great fit at Anfield as he is pretty solid on the right flank. His ceiling may not be as high as Alexander-Arnold but he has Premier League experience and has done well against potent attackers this season.
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Will Ola Aina be a good fit for Liverpool?
Aina's current contract with Nottingham Forest ends this summer, and the Tricky Trees will be determined to keep one of their best performers in the Premier League this season.
🚨 Liverpool have identified Nigerian right-back Ola Aina as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, they will have to compete with Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham for his signature.
(Source: @CaughtOffside) pic.twitter.com/SspSJxvDV3
Apart from being solid in defence, the 28-year-old is also extremely versatile and can also slot in as a left-back when needed. In his younger days he also had some experience of playing on the right flank.
Given the current contract situation, it will be tough for Nottingham Forest to tie Aina down with a large contract. The defender will be enticed with other great offers and may leave the club this summer.
The Nigeria international has been one of the best in his position in the Premier League this season in terms of metrics. The right-back has exceeded expectations as Forest continue to challenge for Champions League qualification.
According to FBRef, Aina has won 1.4 tackles, completed 2.09 progressive carries and managed 3.07 clearances per 90 in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Overall, he has featured in 30 Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing a solitary assist.
He can be a great addition for Liverpool as Arne Slot will be looking to strengthen this position. Aina will be directly competing for minutes at right with Connor Bradley.
The 28-year-old brings a lot of experience and defensive stability, providing the Dutch manager with an option to shuffle things on the right flank.
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