Man City agree deal with Wolves to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri

Manchester City are on the verge of signing left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri after agreeing a deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 23-year-old has left Algeria’s training camp to undergo a medical. He is set to sign a long-term contract.

Pep Guardiola’s side are keen to get the deal done before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Romano posted on X: “Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City, here we go!

“Agreement club to club done today for total fee close to €40m.

“Understand medical tests will take place on Saturday. The left back accepted City project earlier this week as revealed and medical will take place this weekend.”

Ait-Nouri joined Wolves from Angers in 2021 initially on a season-long loan before making the move permanent. He has emerged as one of the finest left-backs in the Premier League.

The Algeria international has 157 appearances, scored 12 goals, and provided 19 assists for Wolves across all competitions. Last season, he racked up 41 appearances, netted five times, and registered seven assists.

Former Wolves coach Edu Rubio believes Ait-Nouri will be the “perfect fit” for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The 23-year-old has left Algeria’s training camp to undergo a medical

“His technical competency, his ability and skill in tight areas – keeping the ball close to his feet – give him the opportunity to fit perfectly into Guardiola’s possession-based play,” Rubio said.

“He can also dribble with speed to get the team up the pitch, driving with the ball, which is probably what Manchester City need right now – players who can break lines.

“Defensively, he has improved his game since his arrival in the Premier League and his one-v-one defending is of a very good standard. He can cope physically and is a very versatile player who can operate in any position down the flank, or by playing as an inverted full-back.

“He needs to improve his decision-making on the ball. He can take one touch too many at times and slow the ball speed down in a possession game that Pep loves. He also needs to work on his end product in attack.

“At a club like City, he will need to get his assist ratio higher, but it is something he can definitely do.”