Manchester City Close In on Wolves Left-Back Rayan Aït-Nouri

Manchester City are trying to sign Wolves’ left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri. Talks between the clubs have started well. The Algerian international is open to the transfer after his impressive season at Molineux.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester City are speeding up talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers. They want to sign Aït-Nouri before the FIFA Club World Cup later this month. Aït-Nouri, 23, is City’s main left-back target. The clubs haven’t agreed on a transfer fee yet, with Wolves wanting about £50 million. But both sides want to find a middle ground. Aït-Nouri played 35 matches and scored five goals for Wolves last season, showing his importance to the club.

WHY CITY WANT AÏT-NOURI

City haven’t had a proper left-back since 2021. They used Josko Gvardiol and young Nico O’Reilly in that role last season. Aït-Nouri’s skills, attacking ability, and defensive strength fit well with Pep Guardiola’s style. He scored four goals and had six assists from open play. This was the most goal involvement for a defender in the Premier League this season. The Algerian has said he admires Guardiola, adding to the transfer speculation.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH CLUBS?

Manchester City want to finish the deal by June 10, the deadline for Club World Cup registration. Their first match is on June 18 against Wydad AC. City came second in the Premier League last season, just two points behind Arsenal. For Wolves, Aït-Nouri leaving would follow Matheus Cunha’s sale. It could lead to a big team rebuild. The club wants to improve after finishing in the bottom half of the table. City needs more defenders as captain Kyle Walker is likely leaving this summer. This makes finalizing the Aït-Nouri deal urgent before their busy summer.