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Arsenal to rival Manchester City, Liverpool for Premier League left-back?

By Ben Sully | 20 April 2024

Arsenal to rival Man City, Liverpool for Premier League left-back?

Arsenal are reportedly set to rival Manchester City and Liverpool for the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to rival Manchester City and Liverpool for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The 22-year-old has been a regular fixture in Gary O'Neil's side this season, having started 24 of his 28 Premier League appearances.

Although he can operate as a traditional full-back, O'Neil's tendency to use three centre-backs has seen Ait-Nouri often utilised on the left of a midfield four.

The attack-minded defender has chipped in with two goals and one assist in the Premier League, scoring in a 2-1 win over Fulham in March and finding the net in a 1-1 draw against Burnley earlier this month.

Having impressed with his performances this season, Ait-Nouri is believed to be attracting interest from Man City and Liverpool.

Rayan Ait-Nouri celebrates scoring for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Burnley on April 2, 2024. © Reuters

Arsenal to join Ait-Nouri race

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are set to join their title rivals in the race to secure Ait-Nouri's signature ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

The Algeria international is currently under contract until the summer of 2026, with Wolves holding an option to extend by a further year.

As it stands, Wolves will have to give 50% of any sale to Ait-Nouri's previous club Angers as part of the transfer agreement that saw the full-back make the move to Molineux in 2021.

While they do have the option to buy out the sell-on clause, the current agreement with Angers could be a factor behind Wolves' reported £50m valuation of Ait-Nouri.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on April 3, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal targeting new left-back

Arsenal are seemingly considering Ait-Nouri as a potential target as they look to bring in a new left-back ahead of next season.

While they may boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this term, the left side of defence has proven to be a problem area for Mikel Arteta.

The Arsenal boss seems unconvinced by Oleksandr Zinchenko, having also utilised Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior as left-backs this season.

Arsenal's options in the position could be bolstered by the return of Jurrien Timber, who is working his way back from an extended spell on the sidelines due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.