Real Madrid, Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly in a transfer battle to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri, valued at €25 million by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Rayan Ait-Nouri continues to become a highly sought-after figure in the transfer market. Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on signing the French under-21 international, valued at €25 million by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Rayan Ait-Nouri joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from SCO Angers in October 2020 and has since established himself as a regular for the Premier League outfit. Wolves initially signed the 20-year-old on a loan deal before his move was made permanent this past summer.
The French under-21 international has particularly made significant progress under the tutelage of Bruno Lage, raking in 11 appearances for Wolves this season and chipping in with two goals in the process. Ait-Nouri’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Real Madrid is understandable, considering Marcelo is expected to leave the club next summer to return to Brazil. The veteran left-back has been linked with Palmeiras and Flamengo in addition to former club Fluminense, and his departure would leave Real Madrid needing to sign a left-back.
As for Liverpool, it is surprising that they are showing an interest in Ait-Nouri. While the 20-year-old can play in an advanced role, he is primarily viewed as a left-back reinforcement, which is a shock, considering Andrew Robertson is one of the best in the position in the game, while Kostas Tsimikas has been an able backup. Nonetheless, it looks like Liverpool could be in the running to sign him.
Finally, Manchester City’s need for Ait-Nouri can be explained by Benjamin Mendy’s suspension, with the Frenchman likely to have played his final game for the club. With Oleksandr Zinchenko mostly utilised as a backup option, the Citizens could do with a left-back, despite Joao Cancelo’s excellent performances this season. Therefore, Ait-Nouri is a viable target for Manchester City.
In addition to Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City, the French under-21 international has also been linked with Barcelona. However, the Blaugrana cannot afford his €25 million price tag, which has left Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City as the main contenders for Ait-Nouri’s signature. It remains to be seen if any of the three clubs can sign the Wolves defender in a €25 million deal.