Amid rumours that Rayan Ait-Nouri could be on his way to Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly tracking an "interesting name" who could replace the left-back.
Man City advancing in Ait-Nouri deal
Having already lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, Manchester's other club are now aiming to deal Wolves a second transfer blow. According to Fabrizio Romano, City are now advancing their deal to sign Ait-Nouri from the Midlands club with talks already held and the left-back already approving the summer switch.
Given that they spent a large part of the 2024/25 campaign flirting with relegation before Vitor Pereira's arrival turned things around, there should be major concern around Molineux that Wolves could suffer their worst nightmare without Cunha and Ait-Nouri.
They must get things right in search of replacements this summer. Losing Cunha was always expected after his £63m release clause came to light, but whether Wolves had the same expectation in Ait-Nouri's case is the big question.
rayan-ait-nouri
Whether caught by surprise or not, they must commence the difficult task of replacing their influential left-back if he joins Manchester City in this summer's transfer window.
Rayan Ait Nouri in the Premier League 2024/25 stats (via FBref)
Starts 37
Assists 7
Key Passes 46
Ball Recoveries 145
If the Algerian's influence wasn't clear, then his numbers should highlight just how important he's been going in both directions for Wolves. Already without Cunha's goals, Pereira may now have the task of replacing Ait-Nouri's creativity and could yet turn towards an "interesting name" to do exactly that in the coming months.
Wolves actively tracking Clement Bischoff
According to Molineux News, Wolves chiefs are now actively tracking Clement Bischoff who sources described as an "interesting name" when speaking to the outlet about the Midlands club's transfer activity.
The Brondby teenager may be one for the future, but his versatile ability to play as both a left-midfielder and a left-back mirrors that of Ait-Nouri's. That alone should ensure that he's among the top candidates to replace Wolves' star defender in the event that he joins Manchester City.
Described as an "excellent" two-way dribbler when one-on-one by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bischoff looks set to be one to watch this summer. For Wolves, a deal to sign the teenager would represent smart business which considers the short-term needs of Pereira's side as well as the long-term aim that the manager may have in place for his side.
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira reacts after the match Related
[Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe](https://www.footballfancast.com/wolves-approach-for-liverpool-kieran-morrison-wanted-across-europe-romano/ "Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe")
The Old Gold are making moves for the future...
In terms of replacing Ait-Nouri's output too, the fact that Bischoff has managed 10 assists in all competitions for Brondby this season suggests that he would be more than capable of replicating the Algerian's influence.