As the transfer window gets into gear, Manchester City are wasting no time firming up their squad for the new season.
One of their first major moves? Securing a dynamic new addition to their defensive line — and they’ve got their sights firmly set on Wolves’ standout left-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri.
A Year of Watching Pays Off
City have been quietly tracking Ait-Nouri for over a year now.
Scouts have kept a close eye on his development, especially over the course of this past season at Molineux.
At just 23 years old, Ait-Nouri has now reached a point where the club believes he’s ready to step up to the Etihad level.
He’s no longer just a promising young talent — he’s proven himself in the Premier League, and that’s exactly what Pep Guardiola wants as he fine-tunes his defence.
Stats That Made City Take Notice
Ait-Nouri’s numbers speak for themselves. Last season, the Algerian international found the net five times and set up another seven goals across 41 appearances.
That kind of attacking contribution from a full-back is exactly what Guardiola loves — pace, creativity, and the ability to stretch opponents wide.
His energetic, forward-driving style could bring something fresh to City’s back line, especially as they look to inject more depth and variety into their flanks.
A Contract Situation That Opens the Door
The timing is pretty perfect from City’s perspective.
Ait-Nouri has just one year left on his contract with Wolves — though the Midlands club do have the option to extend.
Still, with City preparing to jet off to the U.S. for the Club World Cup on June 12, they’re hoping to wrap this up well before then.
Getting the deal done early would allow Ait-Nouri to slot into preseason preparations without delay.
What This Means for Gvardiol
City’s interest in Ait-Nouri also tells us something about their plans for Josko Gvardiol.
The Croatian defender, who was originally brought in as a left-sided option, has gradually found his stride in the centre of defence alongside Ruben Dias.
With Ait-Nouri arriving, it’s expected that Gvardiol will now fully transition into a central role, which many feel suits his skillset better long-term.
It’s a strategic shift — one that helps balance the back line while leaning into each player’s strengths.
Young Talent Stepping Up Too
Let’s not forget about City’s academy products. Nico O’Reilly, originally developed as a midfielder, has shown promise when filling in on the left side of defence.
But despite his strong performances, Guardiola knows the club needs more seasoned options for the long haul.
Ait-Nouri offers just that — a player young enough to grow under Pep’s guidance, but experienced enough to handle the demands of City’s title-chasing squad.