Manchester City have identified Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri as a primary transfer target and are set to pursue a deal with confidence that an agreement can be reached in the coming weeks.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, talks between the clubs are progressing steadily and there is mutual optimism that the 23-year-old Algerian international will make the switch to the Etihad.
“Manchester City pursuing deal to sign Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Agreements still need to be reached with #WWFC & Algeria international – but all parties now expect move to happen. 23yo #MCFC’s main target for left-back,” Ornstein reported.
Pep Guardiola is believed to be seeking reinforcement on the left side of his defence, where midfielder Nico O’Reilly filled in impressively during the closing stages of the Premier League season.
However, with City aiming to retain their domestic dominance and challenge more aggressively in Europe, Guardiola appears determined to add a specialist in that position with Premier League experience and room for further development.
Aït-Nouri, who has matured into a consistent performer for Wolves, offers just that. Since his initial arrival in 2020, the former Angers man has made 157 appearances for the Midlands club.
This past season, he contributed five goals and seven assists in all competitions—a notable return for a defender in a team that spent much of the campaign battling relegation.
Wolves narrowly preserved their top-flight status with a late-season upturn in form, and Aït-Nouri’s performances played a pivotal role in that resurgence.
Now, with the transfer window open, City are expected to accelerate their pursuit of the defender.
While final terms are yet to be agreed, the expectation is that a deal could materialise swiftly, positioning Aït-Nouri as a key addition to Guardiola’s evolving squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
