Manchester City have identified Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri as a top priority for the summer transfer window, as the Premier League champions seek to address shortcomings following an underwhelming campaign.
According to multiple sources, including prominent transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, City have made formal enquiries regarding the conditions of a potential move for the 23-year-old Algerian international.
The club’s hierarchy sees Aït-Nouri as an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s tactical vision, particularly in light of the defensive inconsistencies exposed during the past season.
After falling short of their usual dominance, City are determined to rejuvenate their squad. Reinforcements, especially at full-back, have been placed high on the agenda.
Aït-Nouri, who has delivered a standout season for Wolves, has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the void on the left flank.
At 23, Aït-Nouri has become one of the most impressive full-backs in the Premier League.
His blend of technical skill, attacking flair, and tactical intelligence makes him a highly coveted asset.
His ability to influence games from the back line has been widely noted, especially given his record of 63 successful dribbles—more than any other left-back in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
He ranks ahead of elite names such as PSG’s Nuno Mendes, Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, and Barcelona’s Alejandro Baldé in that metric.
In addition to his dribbling prowess, Aït-Nouri has also been among the most effective in his position in terms of productivity.
With 12 goal involvements (goals and assists combined), he leads all Premier League full-backs in that category, underlining his dual-threat capability on both ends of the pitch.
Guardiola, who values players with hybrid profiles capable of adapting to his fluid tactical systems, is said to be particularly impressed by the Wolves defender’s versatility and footballing intelligence.
🚨🔵 Understand Manchester City have asked for deal conditions for Rayan Aït-Nouri at Wolves.
He’s high on the list for left back position with contacts expected to continue. pic.twitter.com/W0eo0HrYSn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2025
With Aït-Nouri recently changing representation, speculation around his future has intensified, and Manchester City’s growing interest only adds fuel to the fire.
As the summer window approaches, discussions are expected to accelerate.
The Algerian’s name continues to surface around the Etihad Stadium as Guardiola and his staff prepare for a vital period of transition.
Whether Aït-Nouri becomes the latest addition to City’s evolving squad remains to be seen, but the signals from Manchester suggest that this is a move the champions are keen to finalise.
