It was already mentioned back in early January, but it’s now all but official as Torino have decided to make Ola Aina’s loan from Chelsea a permanent deal.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the ‘ruby red smoke’ has arrived, meaning the Serie A side are ready to pay the Blues the €10m they are owed, and will do so sometime between February and June.
The 22-year-old, who has played on either side of the defence under Walter Mazzarri this season, has convinced those at the club their investment would be worthwhile by slowly but surely becoming one of the key members of their team.
With 18 league appearances to his name from a possible 21, the Nigeria international is seen as one of the players they can count on in the future, much like Koffi Djidji, whose buyout clause will also be triggered, currently on loan from Nantes.
At Chelsea since 2007, the wing-back only ever managed six appearances with his club’s first-team, and was sent out on loan last season to Hull in the Championship, where he also became a key member of the first team, appearing 44 times in the league.
His future, however, now appears to be in Italy.
