Man City race to sign £45m-rated Wolves star in blow to Liverpool
The latest transfer news as Man City battle Liverpool to sign a key player from Wolves.
Manchester City are reportedly expected to step up their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers left wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer.
The Cityzens, primed to attempt a squad overhaul following their first trophyless season since 2016/17, are eager to bolster the left side of their defence. Josko Gvardiol started the campaign on the left but Pep Guardiola prefers playing him centrally, so the likes of Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly have played as auxiliary full-backs.
Guardiola feels the situation needs addressing, so he’s pushing for a new left-back to be signed this summer. Ait-Nouri, who has been one of Wolves’ star players this campaign, is reportedly on City’s shortlist.
The Telegraph reports City are planning to back up their interest in Ait-Nouri with an official approach once the summer transfer window has opened. The Cityzens are drawing up a shortlist and are expected to be in the race for Ait-Nouri, along with several other Premier League clubs interested.
Liverpool are long-term admirers of Ait-Nouri and could yet make an offer for the Algerian. The Reds reportedly prefer AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, however, with talks ongoing over a transfer fee. If Kerkez, who is keen on the move to Anfield, joins, then Ait-Nouri would no longer be in Liverpool’s crosshairs.
Wolves will be keen to keep hold of Ait-Nouri as the 23-year-old is a pivotal player in Vitor Pereira’s three-back formation. The 13-time Algeria international has enjoyed an attacking wing-back role with less defensive responsibility than he had under Gary O’Neil
He’s certainly benefited, with his four goals and seven assists in 35 Premier League games this season enough to be his most productive attacking season. If he were to stay at Molineux, Ait-Nouri would be guaranteed to start week in and week out. Those assurances may not be so possible at a Man City or a Liverpool.
Wolves star closing in on Man Utd move
Across to the red side of Manchester, and another key Wolves player is close to a transfer away to Manchester United. Matheus Cunha, who has scored 15 goals and made six assists in 31 Premier League outings this season, will join the Red Devils for £62.5 million as his release clause has been activated.
Signed from Atletico Madrid for £44 million in July 2023 after an initial six-month loan spell, Cunha has been an extraordinary player for Wolves. The 25-year-old has racked up 90 appearances – more than he has for any other club – and scored 33 goals for the Old Gold, also contributing 15 assists.
It will be very difficult to replace a player of Cunha’s calibre, but Wolves will at least receive a huge boost to their transfer budget. Pereira was able to sign Emmanuel Agbadou, Marshall Munetsi and Nasser Djiga in the winter, but he’s yet to have a full summer to properly make his mark on the squad.
The upcoming window could be pivotal for Wanderers as they seek to move up the Premier League standings next season. The English top tier is getting all the more competitive every single campaign and Wolves will need to conduct smart business if they are able to move forwards under Pereira
