Rayan Ait-Nouri (L) in action against Lille (Getty Images)
According to Tuttomercato via Sport Witness (h/t Birmingham Mail), Manchester City have opened talks with Angers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Rated highly at just 18 years old, Ait-Nouri is one of the upcoming stars in the Ligue 1, who has attracted the eye of many Premier League clubs including City, Wolves, and Crystal Palace. The French teenager has had a breakthrough season with Angers, making 17 appearances, and is currently his side’s top assist provider in the league with three to his name.
Despite his young age, Ait-Nouri has established himself as the side’s No.1 left-back before a jaw injury saw him get ruled out for the rest of the season.
The teenager has impressed not just offensively but also with his defensive capabilities for Angers this season.
For a player, who is still in his teens and had made just 3 Ligue 1 appearances last season, Ait-Nouri’s sudden rise in the ranks speaks volumes about his potential. Hence, it is no big wonder Manchester City have shown an interest in him.
City boss Guardiola has till now failed to land in a regular left-back with the side’s current set of players – Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko yet to impress him. The left-back duties have mostly been shared by Mendy and Zinchenko this season, who have played 14 and 12 league games respectively for the defending champions.
They have both together managed just two league assists this term, with both of them coming from Mendy’s boots.
Hence, City should continue their talks and land Ait-Nouri at the Etihad as soon as possible. His consistency at the back is especially what City need at the moment.
With City lacking a regular face at left-back following Mendy and Zinchenko’s unimpressive displays, an addition such as Ait-Nouri will only make them stronger. Moreover, he is just 18 and can develop under the guidance of Guardiola. The young French talent could, thus, be an excellent future investment by the club if he succeeds in growing big.
