Man City eye Ait-Nouri after defender registers most goal involvements in Premier League | OneFootball

Manchester City have approached Wolverhampton Wanderers to discuss the possibility of signing Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer.

Pep Guardiola is prioritising the addition of a new left-back, with Ait-Nouri understood to be high on City’s list of targets.

The 23-year-old has impressed with his versatility and end-product, contributing four goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season.

With Josko Gvardiol set for a more central role next term, City are in the market for a natural left-sided defender.

Ait-Nouri offers flexibility, having featured at full-back, wing-back and as a left-sided centre-half for Wolves this season.

The Algeria international made 37 appearances in Wolves’ Premier League campaign, ranking among the top 3 percent of full-backs for successful take-ons per game.

No defender registered more goal involvements in the division.

City finished third in the Premier League this season and secured Champions League qualification with a final-day win at Fulham.

They are now looking to reshape the squad in preparation for a renewed title challenge.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, City have formally asked Wolves about the conditions of a deal for Ait-Nouri. Further contact is expected as talks progress.

Ait-Nouri has two years left on his current deal, but Wolves could be tempted to sell amid wider squad changes.

They are already close to losing Matheus Cunha to Manchester United in a deal worth around £62.5 million.

Wolves are not expected to let Ait-Nouri go cheaply, but they have welcomed Hugo Bueno back from his loan at Feyenoord and may see him as a possible replacement.

Ait-Nouri has made over 130 Premier League appearances since joining Wolves from Angers in 2020. He featured in both games against Manchester City this season, giving Guardiola a close look at his qualities.

The defender’s attacking threat, defensive work rate and tactical intelligence have made him one of the most sought-after full-backs in the league.

City are also expected to oversee several departures this summer. They have lost Kevin De Bruyne, while Jack Grealish is among the players linked with a move away.