Chelsea are having second thoughts about selling Ola Aina this summer and are looking to include him in their squad instead.
Aina joined Torino on a season-long loan back in August, but the Serie A club included an option to sign him for £8.7m as part of the deal.
The 22-year-old has made a big impression for Torino this term, making 29 appearances in all competitions as a right and left back, helping them climb to sixth in the table.
Torino have already decided they want to buy the Nigeria international, while Fiorentina are also keen on his services.
But Standard Sport understands that Chelsea, who are still waiting to hear from FIFA on their appeal against a two window transfer ban, don’t want to part with the talented academy graduate.
With the possibility that Chelsea aren’t able to buy players, the west London club have been closely monitoring their loan players and deciding who is good enough to get a chance.
Due to playing regularly in such a respected division, Aina has emerged as one of the main candidates.
As reported earlier this month, another of Chelsea’s young defenders Reece James, is also being considered having starred on loan for Wigan in the Championship.
But with Davide Zappacosta set to be sold back to an Italian side in the close season, plus doubts over Emerson Palmieri’s and Marcos Alonso’s future, there could be room for both youngsters.
In an interview last month, Chelsea’s loan technical coach Eddie Newton gave a big hint that Aina is part of the club’s plans.
He said: ''We've always known Ola has got exceptional talents - physical, technical, uses both feet, quick, powerful boy - but the question mark over his head was his concentration throughout 90 minutes. He has proved he can do that and been consistent this season.
“I’m really proud of him because he’s mentally tuned in now and I think we have to really start taking him seriously.”
Chelsea have been linked today with Nice right back Youcef Atal, who is attracting a lot of interest from Europe’s top clubs. But they won’t be able to purchase anyone if they don’t get their transfer embargo overturned or delayed.
