The Telegraph claim Manchester City are keeping an eye on Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri as they look to bring in a left-back – even though the report claims he was at fault for one of Leeds United’s goals on Saturday.
It is quite a harsh summary. Likely to be discussing Leeds’ winner, Ait-Nouri tried in vain to stop Brenden Aaronson scoring a tap-in. Inadvertently, he put the ball in his own net – even though Aaronson is still claiming it his goal.
Regardless, Manchester City are keen on the Frenchman. The left-back came to Wolves on loan from Angers in 2020, before his move became permanent last summer. He has since clocked up 52 senior outings, given he is just 21.
Another of Jorge Mendes’ clients, Wolves will be keen to keep him – and the ball is certainly in their park. He still has four years remaining on his £33,000-a-week deal, and prior reports suggest Wolves rate him at a huge £45million.
Ait-Nouri was also being eyed by Chelsea before they pipped Manchester City to the signing of Marc Cucurella from Brighton. Manchester City are likely to sign Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez, but loan him out immediately.
Manchester City keeping eye on Wolves defender Ait-Nouri
Ait-Nouri would be a superb signing. He might not be as good as Cucurella just yet, but he certainly has the ability to reach that level. Indeed, he is three years younger than Cucurella, and would cost around £15million less.
He might not start initially but after a year or two under the tutorship of Guardiola, there is no doubt he could become Manchester City’s long-term left-back answer. He would also give Manchester City an option from set-pieces.
But they will have to work quickly, with less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window. They have already brought in Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega. Julian Alvarez has returned from a loan spell.
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