On Saturday, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Manchester City were open to the sale of Oleksandr Zinchenko in the summer.
While Joao Cancelo’s stellar displays at left-back may be considered by some as a safety net in response to the Ukrainian’s imminent departure, it is also worth emphasising that this does not change the fact that the Sky Blues will merely have two full-backs at the club for the time being.
At this point, City’s pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella is anything but a secret.
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But another name can now be added to the club’s transfer wish list, as they remain in desperate need for reinforcements at left-back - Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri.
It was initially reported by Tim Spiers of the Athletic that the Frenchman was on the Premier League champions’ ‘radar’ as the youngster is ‘attracting attention’ from a host of top clubs in Europe.
While it was also mentioned that Bruno Lage’s men are not expecting any ‘firm offers’ for the 21-year-old in the summer, a fresh update suggests that there may be a twist in the tale with regards to the club’s stance about this potential transfer.
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As per the latest information provided by journalist Alex Nixon, it is understood that Wolves ‘want’ £45 million to sanction the sale of Rayan Aït-Nouri, with Manchester City said to be ‘interested’ in the highly-rated defender.
Considering it was also recently reported that Pep Guardiola believes Joao Cancelo is not a ‘natural fit’ at left-back, Manchester City may well be targeting a traditional option to bolster the role ahead of next season.
Additionally, Aït-Nouri was classed by many as one of the most promising players in the position on account of his terrific displays in the 2021/22 season.
The Frenchman has impressed as both a traditional left-back as well as an attack-minded left-wing back at Molineux.
With Pep Guardiola’s reputation of having a penchant for targeting signings that are capable of operating in a multitude of positions, it is safe to suggest that the former Angers man fits the bill.
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Also, the Sky Blues may prioritise a more direct approach going forward next season, onset due to the arrival of Erling Haaland, whose searing pace and physical presence can enhance the side’s goal threat from an all-round sense.
Rayan Aït-Nouri possesses the ball-carrying ability to bomb down the left flank, while also being an adept crosser from wide areas.
Manchester City may well have eyed an excellent alternative to Marc Cucurella as their left-back ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Topics: Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League