Rayan Ait-Nouri (23) has already said YES to Manchester City!

Negotiations with Wolves will advance soon. Talks expected to pick up pace.

Manchester City have reportedly taken a huge step forward in their pursuit of Wolves’ talented left-back, Rayan Ait-Nouri, with sources close to the situation confirming that the 23-year-old has already given his green light to a potential move to the Etihad.

According to highly reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ait-Nouri has verbally agreed to join the reigning Premier League champions this summer. While no deal has been finalized yet between the clubs, talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to accelerate in the coming days.

The Algerian international has emerged as one of the most consistent and technically gifted left-backs in the Premier League over the past two seasons. His performances at Molineux have attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe, but it is Pep Guardiola’s side who have taken the lead in the race for his signature.

Manchester City have been actively searching for reinforcements in the full-back department, especially with concerns over the long-term fitness of Joao Cancelo, who spent last season out on loan, and the physical toll on Kyle Walker and Nathan Aké. Ait-Nouri’s arrival would add both depth and youth to a position City have struggled to permanently settle.

Sources suggest that the player’s agents have been in constant communication with City’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, and that Guardiola personally gave the green light to initiate contact with the player following an impressive individual campaign at Wolves.

Ait-Nouri made 35 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 season, showcasing excellent defensive discipline combined with his trademark dribbling flair and overlapping runs. He was also instrumental in Wolves’ FA Cup quarter-final run, earning praise from pundits and fans alike.

The full-back has also established himself as a regular for the Algerian national team, earning valuable experience on the international stage. His mix of youth, technical quality, and Premier League experience makes him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system.

City are expected to present a formal bid to Wolves in the coming weeks, with the Midlands club valuing the defender at around £40-45 million. Though not a release clause figure, the valuation reflects Wolves’ acknowledgment of the player’s desire to move on and the potential of securing a profitable deal.

It is understood that personal terms between City and Ait-Nouri will not be an issue, with the player eager to join the treble winners and test himself at the highest level, including in the UEFA Champions League. His willingness to compete for a place in City’s star-studded lineup further impressed Guardiola and the recruitment staff.

While Wolves are reluctant to lose a player of Ait-Nouri’s quality, they also recognize the opportunity to reinvest the transfer fee into multiple squad areas. Their recruitment team has already begun shortlisting potential replacements, aware that City’s interest is serious and well-advanced.

Ait-Nouri’s move would also represent another example of City’s long-term planning, as they continue to refresh their squad with younger talents without compromising on tactical intelligence or adaptability. The defender’s ability to play in both a back four and as a wing-back aligns perfectly with City’s flexible tactical structure.

If a deal is completed, Ait-Nouri will become one of the few Algerian internationals to play under Pep Guardiola and could follow in the footsteps of Riyad Mahrez, who had a successful spell with the club and won every major domestic trophy.

The Manchester City hierarchy views Ait-Nouri as more than just a backup option. They see him as a player who could potentially evolve into a first-choice left-back, especially in high-intensity matches where his composure on the ball and ability to handle one-on-one situations stand out.

There is a strong belief within the club that under Guardiola’s guidance, Ait-Nouri could reach world-class levels and even push into conversations as one of the best full-backs in Europe in the coming seasons.

As things stand, the next phase of negotiations will focus on the final transfer fee and possible add-ons. Given City’s recent track record of closing out deals quickly once player terms are agreed, this one could move fast.