Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly still keen on signing 23-year-old Algerian wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Todo Mercado Web, Rayan Ait-Nouri remains the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions were keen on signing the Wolverhampton Wanderers wing-back in the summer transfer window before a move failed to see the light of day. Hugo Viana’s arrival might allow the Citizens renewed hope of landing the 23-year-old.
Rayan Ait-Nouri and his career so far
Rayan Ait-Nouri has established himself as one of the best young wing-backs in the Premier League since joining Wolverhampton Wanderers from Angers SCO. A native of Montreuil, the youngster spent his formative years in France, passing through the academies at four clubs and graduating from the youth division at Angers SCO. However, he has risen in prominence during his spell in the Premier League.
The Black Country outfit initially signed the French-born full-back on loan in October 2020 before completing a permanent move in July 2021. Ait-Nouri has turned out over 100 times thus far for Wolverhampton Wanderers while chipping in with nine goals and ten assists.
Meanwhile, the Algerian international’s progress at Wolverhampton Wanderers has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, have shown interest in Ait-Nouri since the summer transfer window, with Manchester City among his prospective suitors.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Manchester City mulled over signing Rayan Ait-Nouri in the summer transfer window before a move failed to see the light of day. The continued interest in the Wolverhampton Wanderers is understandable, considering Pep Guardiola does not have a recognised left-back in his squad.
With Sergio Gomez joining Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake are the only left-back options in Guardiola’s squad. Interestingly, Gomez’s exploits for Real Sociedad have brought him back on Manchester City’s radar. However, Ait-Nouri is also a viable target for Manchester City.
The report suggests that Hugo Viana’s arrival as the new Manchester City sporting director will give the Premier League champions an advantage in negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers. It will be interesting to see if they sign the 23-year-old Algerian international next year.
