Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly courting Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The Athletic have reported that Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is on Manchester City’s radar. The 21-year-old impressed for Wolves in the recently-concluded season and is being courted by other big European clubs as well.
The French defender joined Wolves in the 2021 summer transfer window from Ligue 1 side SCO Angers for €11 million, signing a five-year deal with them. Jonny was his direct competitor for the spot, but even in his first season in the English top-flight, Ait-Nouri did not take long to settle down.
He did not start the season as Wolves’ first-choice left wing-back but eventually assumed the role as the season progressed. In all, Ait-Nouri made 27 appearances for the Premier League club across competitions, scoring once and assisting six goals.
The 21-year-old can be used as a left-back and as a left wing-back. The French defender is comfortable going forward, providing the team with an attacking outlet. While he is just a season old in the league, Manchester City are still keeping tabs on his progress and could make a future move for him.
As per the report, Wolves are not expecting a bid any time soon. Manchester City, too, would want to see Ait-Nouri for at least another season before making an official approach.
The Citizens are short of options in the left-back department, with Oleksandr Zinchenko the only recognised player for the position. Pep Guardiola has instead used Joao Cancelo in the spot, with Kyle Walker taking the right-back position. Manchester City are reportedly also open to the idea of selling Zinchenko to bring in another left-back.
While Ait-Nouri could be one for the future, it is a position Manchester City will want to address in the upcoming summer window. Brighton and Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella has emerged as an option, with Guardiola particularly keen on signing the Spanish full-back.
The former Barcelona youth player was named Brighton’s Player of the Year in his first season in the English top-flight. His move could however depend on whether Manchester City are able to offload some players in the summer.
