Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Manchester City as Juventus renew interest

Rayan Ait-Nouri has played only 105 minutes for Manchester City this season, with Juventus still considering a move for the Algeria left-back during the January transfer window.

According to Bianconera News, Ait-Nouri could depart City in the winter. He joined the club from Wolverhampton for about 36 million euros in the summer of 2055, but has struggled to establish himself in Enzo Maresca’s plans.

Nico O’Reilly has been preferred on the left, while Josko Gvardiol has returned from injury to compete for the position. Ait-Nouri has made seven appearances in all competitions since the start of the campaign, but only 105 minutes in total.

His playing time includes 15 minutes as a substitute in the Champions League and the full 90 minutes in City’s 5-0 League Cup victory against Norwich City. He has not played a single minute in the Premier League.

Juventus tried to sign Ait-Nouri during the summer transfer window, offering a loan deal with an option to buy. Manchester City rejected that proposal.

The Italian club are short of natural options at left-back, with Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal both injured. As a result, Luciano Spalletti has been using Zeki Celik, who is primarily a right-back, on the left side.

That situation means Juventus continue to view Ait-Nouri as a priority target for January. The player was reportedly open to moving to Turin during the previous transfer window, and the possibility of a loan this winter has not been ruled out.

Manchester United also checked on Ait-Nouri’s availability at the end of August, but City quickly rejected that approach. A move between the two Manchester rivals was never considered a serious possibility, while a switch to Juventus in January is becoming more realistic if Ait-Nouri’s lack of first-team football continues.

Competition for places in the left-sided positions remains strong at City. Jeremy Doku has returned from injury, while Antoine Semenyo, Iliman Ndiaye and Allan are also competing for a place in Maresca’s starting XI.

Ait-Nouri has four years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Manchester City in a strong negotiating position. The club are therefore under no pressure to sell him below their valuation.

However, a structured proposal from Juventus in January could accelerate discussions, particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching at the end of the season.