Premier League: Crystal Palace to splash €12m on Ola Aina

Babalola Seyi

Ahead of next summer’s transfer season, Crystal Palace are preparing a €12 million bid for Nigeria’s international defender Ola Aina.

The Chelsea youth system graduate has a year left on his contract with Torino, and the Italian club would rather sell him than let him walk for free next season.

The 25-year-old began his career at Chelsea, where he made three professional appearances – all as a substitute – before joining Torino on loan in 2018 and then permanently in 2019.

Last season, the defender returned to England on loan with Fulham, who were subsequently relegated.

Aina made 31 games for the Cottagers, but his two goals and an assist were unable to keep them in the Premier League, and they were relegated to the Championship.

Aina returned to Torino after Fulham declined to take up their option to recruit the Nigerian on a permanent basis.

Aina has made 19 appearances in Torino’s 34 Serie A games since his comeback, 15 of which have been as a starter.

According to Torino Granata, an Italian tabloid, Aina might be on his way to England for another term, with Palace in pole position to recruit him.

“The fate of Ola Aina is increasingly pious in the Premier League, also because Taurus (Torino) wants to capitalise on his sale,” the website wrote.

“The Nigerian will start again in the summer, but this time, according to what we have collected, Crystal Palace are in pole (position) to close the deal: starting point €10-12m.”