AC Milan circle Rayan Ait-Nouri as Manchester City future hangs in balance

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s uncertain start to life at Manchester City has caught the attention of AC Milan, with the Serie A giants monitoring the Algeria international as they assess options for the left-back position ahead of 2027.

The 25-year-old has struggled to establish himself since arriving at City and has been left on the bench for every Premier League game so far. His limited involvement has raised fresh questions about his long-term prospects at the Etihad Stadium and whether a move could become necessary if his situation does not improve.

Milan are understood to be among the clubs keeping a close eye on developments, with the Italian giants already beginning their planning for next year’s transfer window. Ait-Nouri is reportedly one of several Premier League-based options being considered as they assess potential solutions on the left flank.

While it remains early in the process, his current lack of opportunities has made the Algeria international an increasingly interesting target.

Man Utd interest failed to develop

Ait-Nouri’s uncertain position at City had already generated interest before the transfer window closed, with Manchester United linked with a possible deadline-day move.

However, the proposed loan switch never developed into a serious possibility, partly because of the rivalry and history between the two Manchester clubs. A deal involving a player moving directly between City and United was always likely to be complicated.

Nevertheless, the interest underlined the growing uncertainty surrounding Ait-Nouri, who now faces a crucial period in determining his future.

Should his lack of Premier League involvement continue, the defender could eventually look for a fresh challenge, potentially opening the door for Milan to make their interest more concrete.

Milan weighing several left-back options

Ait-Nouri is not the only player under consideration at San Siro.

Milan currently have Pervis Estupinan as an option at left wing-back, but the Ecuador international’s long-term future is not entirely guaranteed. The former Brighton defender was linked with a possible return to the Premier League during the summer, including reported interest from Aston Villa.

Estupinan remains involved and trusted by Milan for now, but the club are understood to be assessing the position with a longer-term view.

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is another name on Milan’s radar as they weigh their options.

The United States international has been linked with a move away from Fulham in recent seasons, although a transfer has yet to materialise. Milan are monitoring his progress and believe his pace, defensive qualities and experience in England could translate effectively to Serie A.

Robinson also one to watch

Fulham’s difficult opening to the Premier League season could add another layer to Robinson’s situation.

The London club have lost their opening three league matches, leaving Milan interested in how the team responds and whether Robinson continues to perform at the level that has attracted attention from elsewhere.

For now, Ait-Nouri remains under contract at Manchester City and there is no indication that a January departure is imminent.

However, with Milan monitoring the market and the defender yet to establish himself as a regular Premier League starter, his future at the Etihad is becoming one of the situations to watch closely as the next transfer window approaches.