Manchester City are reportedly expected to completed a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait Nouri.
The 23-year-old has spent four full seasons at the West Midlands outfit in the Premier League since switching from Angers in France during the summer of 2021 on a permanent deal.
Ait Nouri has been at his best in a creative sense during 2024-25, scoring five goals and providing seven assists across 41 competitive appearances.
The Algerian performs to his top level in a wing-back role, given the freedom to roam down the left flank and provide an attacking spark for Wolves.
Ait Nouri is becoming a key player for Algeria on the international stage, making 17 senior appearances since his debut in March of 2023.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri on December 26, 2024© Imago
Man City closing in on Ait Nouri deal?
According to The Athletic, Manchester City are closing in on a serious improvement of their full-back options ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The report states that the Citizens are expected to complete a deal for Wolves and Algeria star Ait Nouri during the current transfer window.
Although terms between the Wanderers and Man City are yet to be agreed, it is understood that the 23-year-old is expected to move to the Etihad this summer.
The Citizens and Ait Nouri also need to sort out suitable personal terms, with the defender preparing for a significant upgrade on his Wolves contract.
It is possible that the left-back features for Pep Guardiola's side this month, when they commence their Club World Cup campaign versus Wydad Casablanca.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri on February 16, 2025© Imago
Fitting into a back four
Ait Nouri has been exceptional in recent times at Wolves, where he is best used in a wing-back role ahead of three central defenders in Vitor Pereira's team.
The 23-year-old could be asked to play a more traditional left-back role at Man City, although Guardiola is likely to have a masterplan to get the most out of the player.
The defender could be straight into the action for the Premier League giants in the United States of America later this month.
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