New rival for Ola Aina as Nottingham Forest confirm signing of Juventus right-back

Nottingham Forest have strengthened their defensive ranks with the signing of Italy U21 international Nicolò Savona from Juventus, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on their official website.

Savona has put pen to paper on a five-year contract running until June 30, 2030, and his arrival provides direct competition for Nigeria international Ola Aina in Nuno Espírito Santo's backline.

Predominantly a right-back, the versatile Savona is also capable of filling in at left-back or at the heart of defence, mirroring the flexibility Aina has offered Forest since joining from Torino.

Despite the new addition, Aina is expected to retain his starting berth when Forest host West Ham United at the City Ground on Sunday, with Savona ineligible for the matchday three Premier League clash.

Aina was integral to Forest’s impressive seventh-place finish last season, starting 35 of the club's 38 league matches.

The former Chelsea academy graduate missed three consecutive games against Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur only due to a calf injury.

Since arriving at the City Ground, Aina has been deployed on both flanks, initially featuring predominantly at left-back in his debut season before becoming a mainstay on the right side of defence last term.

In July, the 28-year-old put an end to speculation about his future by extending his contract with Forest.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com