Chelsea want £9m player to return six years after being sold by Maurizio Sarri

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Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in re-signing a former player in the upcoming summer transfer window.

If you look across Europe right now, there are so many former Chelsea stars enjoying success elsewhere. This includes the likes of Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.

When it comes to the current Blues squad, it feels like they need more reinforcements because they’ve been very hit and miss in the transfer market across recent windows.

It’s previously been claimed that Chelsea’s summer transfer plan could include going big on a signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back and striker.

Interestingly, the Blues are now linked with a move to sign a full-back who was previously on their books six years ago.

• READ MORE: Player Chelsea sold last summer admits he’s ‘rediscovered the joy of playing football’ since leaving

Chelsea want to sign former defender Ola Aina

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in signing Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina this summer.

It is explained that Forest are currently working on a new deal for their 28-year-old defender, but he’s currently out of contract at the City Ground at the end of the season.

The report claims that Chelsea would like to re-sign Aina, who came through the Blues academy as a youngster earlier in his career. In addition, Liverpool have identified the versatile full-back as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. He’s receiving interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham, too.

In 2019, Chelsea sold Aina to Torino in a deal worth around £9m (Sky Sports) when Maurizio Sarri was the Blues manager.

The rapid right-back, who can also cover at left-back, made six first-team appearances for Chelsea after his journey from the academy to the senior group, which also included some loan spells. However, the Cobham product was moved on and has enjoyed success elsewhere, especially since joining Forest in 2023.

On paper, Aina would be an excellent signing for Chelsea if they bring him back to the club. The fact he’s available on a free transfer unless he signs a new Forest deal makes him even more appealing.

Aina’s a great tackler and has been a key player for a Forest side that sits third in the Premier League table right now.

The Nigeria international has done most of his work as a right-back this season, proving both his offensive and defensive qualities, but he can comfortably shine as a left-back as well.

The full-backs at Chelsea next season

In theory, Chelsea should be stacked with enough quality right-backs going into the 2025/26 season. They can already call upon the likes of Reece James, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong to play there.

Therefore, if the Blues ramp up interest in re-signing Aina, we’d guess he would be viewed primarily as a left-back profile.

Without a doubt, Enzo Maresca’s side need to add another left-back to the squad to help share the load with Marc Cucurella. The Spain international hasn’t had much cover behind him, especially since Renato Veiga was loaned out midway through the season.

Chelsea previously shortlisted five left-backs in 2025 as they look to address the full-back role, but Aina on a free transfer could be a great alternative.