Wolverhampton Wanderers are optimistic about retaining Rayan Ait-Nouri at Molineux in the upcoming summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are optimistic about retaining left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri at Molineux despite interest from Premier League clubs ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window, as reported by GIVEMESPORT sources.
Wolves have had a successful 2023/24 season under Gary O’Neil but face challenges due to a series of injuries in the final third of the campaign.
Ait-Nouri, among several key players for the team, has been sidelined recently due to injuries caused by wear and tear and the squad’s size. He has emerged as one of the most promising full-back prospects in the league.
Wolves’ left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, according to The Mirror. The 22-year-old, who has impressed under Gary O’Neil’s management during the 2023/24 season, is seen as a versatile player capable of both solid defending and contributing to attacks. Pep Guardiola views Ait-Nouri as an ideal candidate for the left-back position in his squad, with a potential transfer fee estimated at around £50 million.
According to sources from GMS, Manchester City’s reported interest in Rayan Ait-Nouri has been downplayed by individuals at the Etihad Stadium. However, it remains uncertain if this stance will persist as we approach the summer transfer window. Ait-Nouri, an Algerian international, has been instrumental for Wolves, as highlighted by their 1-0 lead against West Ham United before his injury forced him off on April 6th, leading to a 2-1 defeat.
Following that, Wolves managed a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, and Ait-Nouri made a second-half return in their 2-0 home loss to Arsenal, a team competing for the Premier League title. The left-back is focused on recovering from his injury and showcasing his skills to potential suitors in the final weeks of the season.
Manchester City’s reported interest in Rayan Ait-Nouri prompts questions about their need to invest heavily in a left-back this summer, considering they have trained players like Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol for that role. The club, having exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid in the quarter-finals this season, aims to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s squad options.
On the other hand, Wolves are keen on retaining Ait-Nouri as per GMS sources. The club’s financial stability, ensured by a 2023 fire sale that kept them compliant with Premier League financial rules, suggests they may resist letting go of key players. Transfer expert Dean Jones has hinted at potential interest from Liverpool in Ait-Nouri, whose contract at Molineux runs until 2026, indicating this summer as a crucial window for Wolves to maximize his value. However, any decision regarding Ait-Nouri’s future will be made with the club’s best interests in mind, overseen by sporting director Matt Hobbs.
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