Manchester City Step Up Chase for Wolves Star Rayan Ait-Nouri

Manchester City are preparing a summer move for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, as Pep Guardiola looks to finally address the club’s long-standing issue at left-back.

For years, Guardiola has relied on makeshift options like Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol—both natural centre-backs—to fill the left side of defence. While the tactical flexibility has worked to an extent, the need for a specialist has become more pressing, especially with Ake and John Stones facing recurring injury problems.

Ait-Nouri Emerges as a Top Target

Ait-Nouri has quietly developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent and creative full-backs since joining Wolves in 2021. The 23-year-old Algerian registered four goals and seven assists this season—remarkable numbers for a defender in a bottom-half team.

His attacking flair and technical quality have drawn comparisons to former City star Joao Cancelo, whose exit left a creative void on the left flank.

City Begin Background Checks

According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, City have already started background checks on Ait-Nouri—a key step in their recruitment process that signals genuine interest. Internally, he’s viewed as a strong candidate to fill the specialist left-back role, though Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso remains on the radar.

Wolves Open to £40m Deal

Wolves are reportedly open to selling Ait-Nouri if their £40 million asking price is met. Tottenham and Arsenal have previously shown interest, but Manchester City now lead the race.

With Premier League experience, a clean injury record, and tactical versatility, Ait-Nouri fits the profile Guardiola is targeting. This move, if completed, could prove one of the shrewdest of City’s summer business.