Wolves have named their asking price for Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester City, according to reports.
The 21-year-old joined from Ligue 1 side Angers last year for around £10 million and went on to make 27 appearances for Wolves, 23 of which came in the Premier League.
Now Ait-Nouri could be on the move after just one season at Molineux, however it is likely to be to another Premier League club following interest from Chelsea and Man City.
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Thomas Tuchel has eyed Ait-Nouri as a potential replacement for Marcos Alonso, who is the subject of interest from Barcelona, and is likely to leave Chelsea this summer.
He has already expressed his desire to return to Spain one day and with his current contract due to expire next summer, a departure is on the cards this year.
Alonso told Spanish radio station Onda Cero earlier this month: “On paper, I have a contract for one more year and that is where we’re at today. I’ve already said that I would like to play in Spain again, but it doesn’t depend entirely on me.
“I can’t complain about anything at Chelsea, but the desire to play in Spain is there. It doesn’t depend entirely on me and I’m happy at Chelsea, honestly.”
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His future is yet to be decided, but Tuchel is already tracking alternatives despite having Emerson Palmieri return from his loan spell at Lyon.
Emerson is unsure what the future holds for him, but if Chelsea opt to bring in Ait-Nouri they now know the transfer fee they will need to pay.
"I have a contract with Chelsea," Emerson said this month.
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"I played there for three seasons and I have a lot of friends there.
"If I come back, I’ll be happy. It’s a good place and club for me. Let’s see what can happen.
Despite his valuation being £18 million, as per TransferMarkt, Wolves are wanting a hefty fee if they are to part ways with the France-born defender.
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According to Alan Nixon, Wolves will demand £45 million for the 21-year-old if he is to join Chelsea, Man City or another club this summer.
With little experience in the top-flight and only just one season under his belt, Chelsea could be put off by the big asking price especially when their transfer budget is claimed to be around £200 million.
The new owners want to be shrewd with their transfer business when they back Tuchel and this would likely be a risky deal for the Blues.
Chelsea have also been linked with Brighton's Marc Cucurella but he is keen on making the switch to Man City.
Topics: Rayan Ait-Nouri, Chelsea, Manchester City, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Premier League, Football
Matthew Debono