Who is Rayan Ait-Nouri? The Wolves star wanted by Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea

Stuart Telford

15 Apr 2024 17:12 BST
4 min read

Rayan Ait-Nouri, Wolves, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Rayan Ait-Nouri is one of the most wanted players in the entire Premier League, with some of the divisions biggest clubs keen on landing him this summer.

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The Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back has shone under the guidance of Gary O'Neil at Molineux, and Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all interested in signing him.

The Algeria international is one of the most exciting defenders in English football, but what kind of player is he?

What position does Rayan Ait-Nouri play?

Ait-Nouri is a left-back, however he has frequently played as a left-wing-back during his time at Wolves.

How good is Rayan Ait-Nouri?

Ait-Nouri is considered to be one of the best left-backs in the entire Premier League.

He was forced to bide his time upon joining Wolves permanently in 2021, but he is firmly the club's first-choice option on the left flank now and has been tipped for a big-money move away.

Ait-Nouri is a two-way full-back capable of providing value at both ends of the pitch, but his best work certainly comes when attacking.

Although his output has never matched the very best in his position, Ait-Nouri is a brilliant dribbler and excels at progressing the ball up the pitch via a carry or a pass. He is technically secure and combines that with brilliant physical attributes.

The Algerian was by no means a guaranteed starter at the start of the 2023-24 season, but he is now arguably Wolves' most important player under O'Neil. In fact, he failed to make the matchday squad in nine of Wolves' final 10 matches of the 2022-23 campaign under Julen Lopetegui, however Ait-Nouri is now indispensable.

A bundle of energy, Ait-Nouri is the perfect left-wing-back and a move away seems on the cards soon.

Furthermore, before choosing to represent Algeria at international level Ait-Nouri was part of Sylvain Ripoll's France Under-21 squad alongside Chelsea's Wesley Fofana and several other top talents.

Rayan Aït-Nouri take a bow! 🤩

A powerful run, a delightful pass and Hugo Bueno's first senior goal has @Wolves dreaming of Wembley!#ITVFootball | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/j5tdU05jmd
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 16, 2024

What clubs are interested in Rayan Ait-Nouri?

Chelsea are long-term admirers of Ait-Nouri, while Aston Villa were linked before they signed Lucas Digne from Everton. Man City, as revealed by FootballTransfers, are incredibly keen on the Wolves man.

In addition, Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in signing Ait-Nouri, as exclusively reported by FootballTransfers.