According to the report, Chelsea currently wants to sign a weekly 40k-40k-awake fullback, the “best person” in Europe, but there is fierce competition from Premier League rivals.
Malesca’s pressure building
Fans are beginning to lose Enzo Maresca’s patience. This has been drawn 2-2 by Ipswich Town after performances fell short of expectations in recent weeks and 2-1 defeat to Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge.
However, the manager likely bought more time with a 2-1 victory at Fulham on Sunday afternoon, with Tyrique George and Pedroneto striking late to secure a comeback victory at Craven Cottage.
Overall, the Blues’ backline is not an issue this season, maintaining the fourth best record in the league, with Maresca likely to be far more interested in the striker’s performance.
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The Bruce is closely monitoring the “great” midfielder ahead of the potential transfer plunge in the summer.
After drawing a gap again on Sunday afternoon, Nicholas Jackson will not score goals in the final 12 Premier League matches, but Christopher Nukank has only three league goals in his name throughout the season.
So, bringing new strikers with them this summer may be a priority for Chelsea, but they are also keen to step up their defense, according to a Catch Offside report that revealed they are eager to sign Nottingham Forest’s right-back Olaaina.
Aina’s performance this season is also enthusiastic about Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, and has attracted serious interest from all Premier League clubs, with the latter two clubs set to start agent talks soon.
Forest wants to bring the fullback into a new contract. This could increase his wages of £40,000 per week, but free relocation is possible if the 28-year-old contract reaches its contract for expires this summer.
Enjoying an impressive campaign in the forest
The Nigerian has been an integral member of Forest’s Starting XI this season, playing in the 30 Premier League before suffering a recent calf injury, and his side continues to lose both games he missed.
After working very well for the tricky trees, the London-born defender received high praise from Zack Roy last month. The journalist said: “Oraaina has been one of the best fullbacks in Europe this season. It’s very effective in the future, but most of all, it rarely drops anything under 7/10. Mori is lucky to have him.”
The former Chelsea man was not only impressed with his front legs, but is also regularly featured throughout the campaign.
That said, Chelsea already has plenty of stock on the right back, and Reese James and Malo Gusto are in the book, so Aina may not have to sign unless one of Maresca’s current options moves around this summer.