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Man City 'earmark' Premier League full-back as Kyle Walker replacement

Walker's successor? Man City 'earmark' Premier League full-back as 2025 priority
© Imago
Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina as a potential replacement for veteran right-back Kyle Walker in 2025.

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina.

The 28-year-old joined the Tricky Trees on a free transfer over the summer of 2023, and has since cemented his spot in the East Midlands side.

Aina has been an integral part of a Forest outfit who are enjoying a stellar campaign to date, with the two-time European Cup winners currently fourth in the Premier League table.

The right-back has started 18 top-flight contests for Nuno Espirito Santo's men in 2024-25 to date, scoring goals against Brentford and West Ham United.

Since making the switch from Italian side Torino to the banks of the River Trent in 2023, Aina has played 40 competitive matches for Forest, finding the net on three occasions.

Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina reacts on December 21, 2024© IconSport

Man City want Forest star Aina as Walker replacement?

According to The Sun, Manchester City are actively searching for reinforcements at right-back, with the end of Kyle Walker's career at the top level drawing close.

The 34-year-old was once a stalwart in the Citizens' backline, however the report claims that Pep Guardiola's side are now looking towards the future.

It is understood that Man City are admirers of Aina's performances and versatility, possessing the ability to play on both sides of defence.

With the Nigeria international's contract at the City Ground expiring at the conclusion of the term, Forest are scrambling to agree fresh terms with the player.

However, as it stands, Aina will be free to depart the Tricky Trees during the summer, and potentially for a cut-price fee in the New Year.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Kyle Walker on October 5, 2024© Imago

Walker's serious struggles

Turning 35 at the end of the campaign in May, Walker is undeniably heading towards his final matches at the very top level of European football.

The defender's blistering pace was once a great asset as Man City utilised a high defensive line, however the veteran is being increasingly caught out in foot races.

Boasting six Premier League honours and a Champions League triumph, the Citizens' next right-back has a difficult task in filling the shoes of the England international.

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Written by
Carter White

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool23175156213556
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Aston Villa2410773437-337
9Fulham249963632436
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2481063538-334
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Everton236892328-526
16Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369


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