I’m too old for Arsenal – Aina

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has dismissed the prospect of joining Arsenal, joking that he is “too old” to make the switch to the North London club, PidomNigeria Sports Extra reports.

The 29-year-old made the remark in a video that surfaced on Tuesday after he was approached by a Nigerian fan working at Wimbledon and asked if he would consider joining the Gunners.

“I’m too old for Arsenal,” Aina replied with a smile.

Aina has spent the last three seasons at Nottingham Forest after joining the club from Torino in the summer of 2023. Before returning to the Premier League, he also featured for Fulham during the 2020/21 campaign.

The Nigeria international is a product of Chelsea’s academy.

Meanwhile, Aina has set himself a target of scoring at least five goals during the 2026/27 season after failing to find the net in the previous campaign.

The full-back, who began his career as a right winger before transitioning into defence, made 28 appearances in all competitions last season without scoring, although he registered an assist in Forest’s 2-1 UEFA Europa League defeat to Fenerbahce.

“I need to pray and fast because I did not score any goals last season. The season before, I think I got three goal involvements.

“I need to do some serious prayer and fasting because I need at least five. If I get five, I will be content,” Aina said.

The Super Eagles defender was previously linked with a move to Manchester City during the January 2025 transfer window after an impressive 2024/25 Premier League campaign in which he scored two goals and provided one assist in 35 league appearances.

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