Arsenal legend Ian Wright praises Ola Aina for his stellar performances at Nottingham Forest. Aina, who developed at Chelsea, has been pivotal for Forest since joining in 2023. Wright named Aina his "Vibes Player of the Year" while discussions continued over a contract extension with the club.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed admiration for Nigerian international and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, who has been a standout player since his return to English football. Aina, who spent years developing at Chelsea’s youth academy, helped the club win several youth titles, including the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League. After leaving Chelsea on loan in 2018, Aina joined Torino in Italy before returning to England with a brief loan at Fulham. In 2023, he signed with Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old has been essential to Forest’s recent success, assisting in their survival during the previous season and contributing to their strong form this year. Wright, speaking on his podcast, lauded Aina's energy, versatility, and technical ability, naming him his "Vibes Player of the Year" for 2024. He recalled watching Aina in Chelsea's youth setup and praised his consistent vibrance and pace, both qualities that have carried over into his senior career.
With Aina’s current contract running out in the summer, Nottingham Forest is engaged in talks to extend his stay. His flexibility as a full-back, capable of playing on either side, has made him a valuable asset to the team. Given his solid performances, securing Aina’s future at Forest appears to be a priority for the club as they aim to build on their progress this season.
