Rayan Aït-Nouri attracts Juventus interest ahead of new Manchester City season
Juventus are reportedly considering Manchester City defender Rayan Aït-Nouri as they look to strengthen their options at left-back.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian club have identified the Algeria international as a potential target and are assessing him alongside Real Madrid’s Portuguese full-back Álvaro Carreras.
A move away from Manchester City currently appears unlikely, but Aït-Nouri’s future has attracted attention ahead of the end of the summer transfer window.
The defender is preparing for his second season at City after an inconsistent first campaign at the club.
Aït-Nouri’s debut season was disrupted by a serious ankle injury that kept him out for a considerable period before he subsequently found himself playing a secondary role under Pep Guardiola.
The Algerian international is now determined to make a stronger impression during the upcoming campaign and has the opportunity to do so under City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca.
Juventus’ interest is understood to be linked to their plans for the left side of their defence. The Italian giants are reportedly considering Aït-Nouri as a player who could provide competition for Andrea Cambiaso.
The Algerian is not the only defender being considered by the Turin club, with Carreras also featuring among their options.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Aït-Nouri’s immediate attention remains on Manchester City’s competitive commitments.
The 25-year-old is preparing for Sunday’s Community Shield meeting with Arsenal, with the fixture offering City an opportunity to begin the new campaign with silverware.
Aït-Nouri will be hoping to play a part as City attempt to claim the English Super Cup and add another trophy to their collection.
The defender already experienced success with Manchester City last season, winning both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Those victories have given Aït-Nouri the chance to target another piece of silverware before the new campaign gets fully under way.
For the Algeria international, the Community Shield represents the first immediate sporting challenge, while reports of Juventus’ interest provide a separate storyline around his future.
The Italian club’s reported interest could create a situation to monitor before the transfer window closes, although there is currently no indication that a departure from Manchester City is imminent.
Aït-Nouri’s priority remains his football with City as he attempts to put his difficult first season behind him and establish himself more firmly under Maresca.
With Juventus reportedly watching his situation and Carreras also on their shortlist, the coming weeks could determine whether the interest develops into something more concrete.
For now, however, Aït-Nouri remains focused on Manchester City’s pursuit of another trophy and the opportunity to make a fresh start at the club.
