Napoli shortlist Ola Aina for January transfer

The name of Torino full-back Ola Aina has reportedly been mentioned in recruitment discussions at Serie A leaders Napoli.

Despite as yet failing to record either a goal or an assist, the 25-year-old has been one of the standout performers for Il Toro this season. Per Naples journalist Valter De Maggio, who spoke to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, the Nigeria international has entered the frame for a transfer to Italy’s south.

With both Kevin Malcuit and Faouzi Ghoulam out of contract next summer and short on match sharpness, Napoli are in need of reinforcement in both full-back areas, and have a number of irons in the fire.

“Among the profiles Napoli are following is (Noussair) Mazraoui, who is out of contract with Ajax [in the summer],” De Maggio revealed to the club’s official radio broadcaster. 

“An immediate transfer for him could be blocked until June, or an offer could be made to the Dutch club to take him right away. Then (for the left), there are (Fabiano) Parisi from Empoli and Reinildo Mandava. However, a new name has appeared: Ola Aina from Torino.”

Speaking to the same outlet, former Fiorentina left-back and Italy international Manuel Pasqual has thrown his weight behind Napoli’s interest in Aina, and believes moving for the Chelsea youth product in the winter transfer window could prove the difference in the club’s push for a first league title in three decades.

“He would be the ideal profile for the squad and for Spalletti’s game, he is a fine wide player,” Pasqual said. 

“Mario Rui is doing quite well, but in recent years he has never managed to find continuity in his performances. In January, a lot will depend on Napoli’s position in the league standings, as well as on the president’s willingness to invest in the market to try to win the Scudetto.”

Aina, who signed permanently with Torino in 2019, but spent the 2020/21 season on loan in the Premier League with relegated Fulham, is under contract with the Granata until 2023.