Rayan Ait-Nouri is Manchester City’s number one target to bolster the left-back position this summer.
Ait-Nouri has approved of joining Manchester City and it seems like he could be one of the Sky Blues’ first summer signings.
The Algerian’s exit could be a huge loss for Wolves, considering Ait-Nouri was excellent last season.
However, with Manchester City overhauling their squad, players like the 23-year-old would be motivated by the prospect of helping them turn into a powerhouse once again.
Man City passed up on the chance of signing Antonee Robinson
In the Premier League, Rayan Ait-Nouri was one of the best left-backs City could have targeted, with other names like Antonee Robinson and Milos Kerkez standing out.
Robinson, in particular, shone last season, providing 10 assists in the league while Ait-Nouri registered seven in comparison.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
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However, journalist Dean Jones told The Transfers From Paradise podcast on Patreon that Manchester City passed up on the chance to sign the Fulham defender: “City are wasting no time in strengthening full-back options ahead of next season — and possibly the Club World Cup. Rayan Ait-Nouri is getting very close to joining, as City move toward their plan to sign two full-backs this summer. One target they passed on? Antonee Robinson.”
Jones has revealed that while the Sky Blues as well as Liverpool considered the prospect of signing Robinson, Manchester City’s focus is on signing Ait-Nouri.
“Despite being considered by both City and Liverpool, it looks like he’s been left behind.”
Antonee Robinson stats compared to Rayan Ait-Nouri
Manchester City are keen to sign Ait-Nouri and as brilliant a left-back as Robinson is, perhaps the thinking at the Etihad Stadium could be that the former suits their system more.
Ait-Nouri called Pep Guardiola a “great coach” and perhaps the player himself believes he will come good at City.
Manchester City would have analysed the respective stats of both Ait-Nouri and Robinson before choosing to make a move for the Wolves technician.
STATS PER 90 RAYAN AIT-NOURI ANTONEE ROBINSON
INTERCEPTIONS 0.75 1.76
TACKLES 2.58 2.7
BLOCKS 1.22 1.22
SHOT-CREATING ACTIONS 2.63 2.27
PROGRESSIVE PASSES 3.13 3.72
PROGRESSIVE CARRIES 2.58 3.35
SUCCESSFUL TAKE-ONS 1.82 1.08
Over the past 365 days
Based on the metrics, Robinson has the edge on Ait-Nouri.
Aside from the latter’s shot-creating actions (2.63) and successful take-ons (1.82), the former Everton defender comes out on top when it comes to every other stat per game over the past year.
However, football is not just based on the numbers and ultimately, Ait-Nouri’s incredible technique, wealth of experience and ability to drift into midfield as well as hug the touchline are all factors that make him a top player.