Manchester City are stepping up their pursuit of a natural left-back as the club begins groundwork on a potential summer move for Rayan Ait-Nouri, one of the Premier League’s most consistent and exciting full-backs.
City have notably lacked a specialist in that position, with Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake often forced to deputise despite being natural centre-backs. Pep Guardiola has adapted admirably over the years, converting midfielders and central defenders into left-backs. However, the lack of a dedicated player in that role has become a persistent issue.
Enter Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Wolves defender has quietly built a reputation as one of the division’s top full-backs since arriving at Molineux in 2021. With four goals and seven assists this season, an outstanding return for a defender in a bottom-half side, Ait-Nouri’s attacking output has drawn inevitable comparisons to Joao Cancelo, the former City star whose departure left a creative void on the left flank.
According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Manchester City have begun conducting background checks on Ait-Nouri to assess his off-field character, a standard but critical part of the club’s recruitment process. These checks often precede formal negotiations and indicate that City’s interest is becoming increasingly serious.
The 23-year-old Algerian is viewed internally as a strong candidate to fill the gap in Guardiola’s defensive setup, and discussions have been ongoing behind the scenes as City weigh their options. While Andrea Cambiaso remains another long-term target, Ait-Nouri’s Premier League experience, fitness record, and technical prowess offer a ready-made solution.
Manchester City’s pursuit is made more realistic by the fact that Wolves are willing to sell, as long as their £40 million valuation is met. Given the market inflation and Ait-Nouri’s contribution from left-back, this fee represents value, especially for a club of City’s spending power.
Tottenham reportedly made a bid earlier this season, but Ait-Nouri chose to stay at Wolves. Arsenal were also monitoring him. However, Manchester City now appear to be in pole position due to Guardiola’s emphasis on squad availability and the clear strategic need for a specialist left-back.
Pep Guardiola recently acknowledged the club’s lack of a natural left-back and stressed the need for reliable, injury-free players for next season:
“The most important thing is, from my point of view, I said to the club — which players are reliable for the future. They cannot perform if they’re not reliable, if you’re injured.”
With Ake and Stones struggling with fitness issues, the door is wide open for a durable, attacking-minded left-back like Ait-Nouri to enter Guardiola’s plans. Given that the Wolves star is Premier League proven, he could find it easier to slot in at The Etihad.
Manchester City’s interest in Rayan Ait-Nouri is as strategic as it is overdue. For years, Pep Guardiola has cleverly covered the left-back slot with makeshift solutions, but as the margins get thinner in both the Premier League and Europe, specialist quality becomes non-negotiable.
Ait-Nouri offers creativity, defensive work rate, and a proven record in England, a rare combination at just 23. With Wolves willing to sell and City needing reliable depth, this move could be one of the smartest pieces of business they do this summer. If the deal materialises, Ait-Nouri may very well become the next breakout star under Guardiola’s tutelage.
