Exclusive: Man City now doing background checks as they want to sign £40m PL defender who Tottenham bid for sensational defender

Manchester City have begun conducting background checks on Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri as they look to address a significant gap in their squad, according to exclusive sources. The Premier League giants are eyeing the 23-year-old Algerian international who has established himself as one of the league’s standout performers in his position since joining Wolves in 2021.

City’s interest in Ait-Nouri comes as no surprise to football analysts, given the club’s current lack of natural left-backs. While Pep Guardiola has deployed the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake in that position—both primarily center-backs by trade—and even utilized attacking midfielder Nico O’Reilly there on occasion, the team has been lacking a specialist since Joao Cancelo’s departure to Bayern Munich on loan in January 2023.

“Ait-Nouri’s tremendous technique and attacking prowess bear striking resemblances to Cancelo,” noted one scout familiar with City’s recruitment strategy. “His ability to contribute in the final third while maintaining defensive solidity makes him an ideal candidate for Guardiola’s system.”

The Wolves defender has enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, registering 11 goal contributions—four goals and seven assists—despite his team sitting in 13th place in the Premier League table. This attacking output from a defensive position has caught the eye of several top clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur previously submitting a bid for his services and Arsenal also reportedly monitoring his situation.

According to industry sources, Wolves are prepared to part ways with their prized asset this summer, provided their £40 million valuation is met. For a club of Manchester City’s financial capabilities, this figure represents a relatively modest investment for a player entering his prime years with Premier League experience already under his belt.

The background checks being conducted by Manchester City are standard procedure for the club, who pride themselves on thorough due diligence regarding potential signings’ character and professionalism. City’s recruitment team is particularly interested in understanding Ait-Nouri’s mentality and work ethic behind closed doors before advancing formal negotiations.

Guardiola himself has publicly acknowledged the need for reinforcement in the left-back position, stating last month: “Obviously, Nico’s helping us but he’s not a left-back. That’s true. I’ve played with Oleks Zinchenko at left-back, Fabian Delph at left-back. So, we’ve found solutions for many, many years, they give another quality, they help us.”

The Spanish tactician added a crucial insight into his recruitment philosophy, noting: “The most important thing is from my point of view is, I said to the club, which players are reliable for the future. They cannot perform if they’re not reliable, if you’re injured. Which players we have can play every three days, three days, three days or cannot play every three days, then build the squad for next season.”

This statement suggests availability and durability will be key factors in City’s pursuit of Ait-Nouri, who has demonstrated remarkable consistency in his appearances for Wolves, starting 34 Premier League matches this season.

City’s interest in Ait-Nouri doesn’t appear to be isolated, as reports indicate the club maintains a longstanding interest in Juventus wing-back Andrea Cambiaso. The club reportedly held talks to sign the Italian in January and have maintained contact since, suggesting Guardiola’s team is casting a wide net in their search for full-back reinforcements.

De Bruyne Aims Subtle Dig at Manchester City Following Standout Performance

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne appears to have aimed another subtle criticism at Manchester City following his match-winning performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Friday.

The Belgian midfielder, who announced last month that he would be leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, scored the decisive goal in City’s 1-0 victory at Molineux, demonstrating once again his importance to Guardiola’s side.

De Bruyne’s strike came in the 35th minute, capitalizing on excellent work from teammate Jeremy Doku, who displayed remarkable skill to bypass Wolves defenders before cutting the ball back to the edge of the area. The 33-year-old midfielder met the pass with a clinical first-time finish that proved to be the difference between the teams.

Speaking to media after the match, De Bruyne made comments that have been widely interpreted as a pointed reference to the club’s decision not to offer him a contract extension: “I showed I can still play here [in the Premier League] otherwise I don’t do what I have done in these last four or five weeks.”

He continued: “Obviously I know I’ve got one game left here [at the Etihad], but I just try to do my job like I’ve always done, and I did that today, so I am proud of what I am doing. I give everything and I want to win the game.”

In a revealing admission about the atmosphere within the squad regarding his impending departure, De Bruyne added: “A lot of teammates have spoken to me and I think they are also sad that I have to go but sometimes it goes like this.”

The midfielder’s comments have intensified speculation about his future destination, with several high-profile clubs expected to compete for his signature when he becomes a free agent this summer.

Saudi Arabian clubs, who expressed interest in the Belgian maestro last summer, are believed to be preparing lucrative offers to tempt him to the Middle East. Meanwhile, Inter Miami, the MLS outfit co-owned by David Beckham, have also been linked with an ambitious move for the playmaker.

Perhaps most intriguingly, De Bruyne has not ruled out remaining in the Premier League with a rival club. The midfielder has previously expressed admiration for Liverpool, and while the Reds have not been formally connected with a move for him, such a transfer would represent a seismic shift in the balance of power in English football.

De Bruyne’s potential departure brings to an end one of the most successful player-club relationships in Premier League history. Since joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015, the Belgian has amassed extraordinary statistics that cement his legacy as one of the club’s greatest ever players:

• Total Appearances: 418
• Goals: 108
• Assists: 177
• Premier League Titles: 6
• Champions League Titles: 1
• FA Cups: 2
• League Cups: 5
• Player of the Year Awards: 2
• FWA Footballer of the Year Awards: 2

His creative vision, passing range, and leadership qualities have been instrumental in City’s domestic dominance over the past eight years, and his departure will leave an enormous void that even the club’s considerable resources may struggle to fill adequately.

Broader Transfer Landscape: How the Market is Shaping Up

The developments at Manchester City are taking place against a backdrop of significant movement in the Premier League transfer market, with several high-profile players potentially on the move this summer.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, with reports suggesting the Merseyside club wants the England international to accept certain conditions if he wishes to complete a transfer before the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood’s future remains uncertain, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid expressing strong interest in the forward. However, sources close to the player indicate he is not enthusiastic about potential offers from Saudi Pro League clubs, preferring to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Crystal Palace are set to compete with Manchester United for a £20 million-rated defender who was recently named Young Player of the Season, demonstrating how Premier League clubs outside the traditional “Big Six” are becoming increasingly ambitious in the transfer market.

In news that will excite Manchester City supporters, sources close to the club have revealed positive developments regarding midfielder Rodri’s rehabilitation from injury. The Spanish international, whose absence has been keenly felt in City’s midfield engine room, appears to be making excellent progress in his recovery.

Everton’s stance on a potential return for John Stones has also emerged, with the Toffees reportedly cool on the idea of bringing their former defender back to Goodison Park from Manchester City this summer, despite speculation linking the England international with a sensational homecoming.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, have expressed interest in a Manchester City youth prospect highly regarded by Pep Guardiola, though early indications suggest they may face disappointment in their pursuit of the talented youngster.

Analysis: City’s Recruitment Strategy and the Left-Back Conundrum

Manchester City’s interest in Rayan Ait-Nouri represents a significant shift in their recruitment strategy for the left-back position. After years of adapting central defenders and midfielders to fulfill this role, the club appears ready to invest in a specialist who can provide natural width and attacking impetus from deep.

The position has been problematic for City since Benjamin Mendy’s legal issues and subsequent departure, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo, and more recently Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol all taking turns to fill the void. While these players have performed admirably at times, none possesses the natural attacking instincts of a modern Premier League left-back.

Ait-Nouri, by contrast, is a player who has developed his craft specifically for this role. His progressive carrying statistics and crossing accuracy rank among the best in the league for his position, and at 23, he represents both an immediate solution and a long-term investment.

The £40 million price tag placed on him by Wolves is substantial but reflects both his proven Premier League quality and his potential for further development. In the context of Manchester City’s previous expenditure on defenders—£100 million for Jack Grealish, £65 million for Josko Gvardiol—it represents a relatively economical option.

Guardiola’s emphasis on player availability suggests the club’s medical department will play a crucial role in the final decision. Ait-Nouri’s record of 34 starts this season bodes well in this regard, indicating a robustness that would be valuable in City’s demanding schedule across multiple competitions.

The pursuit of Ait-Nouri also indicates City’s willingness to recruit from within the Premier League, recognizing the value of players already acclimatized to the physical and tactical demands of English football. This represents a subtle shift from their previous strategy, which often targeted established stars from continental European leagues.

The De Bruyne Conundrum: Replacing the Irreplaceable

Kevin De Bruyne’s imminent departure presents Manchester City with perhaps their greatest recruitment challenge of the Guardiola era. The Belgian’s combination of vision, technique, leadership, and big-game mentality makes him virtually irreplaceable as an individual.

City’s approach will likely involve redistributing De Bruyne’s creative responsibilities across multiple players rather than seeking a like-for-like replacement. Phil Foden has already shown signs of stepping into a more central creative role, while the continued development of Rico Lewis offers additional technical quality in midfield areas.

The club may also look to the transfer market for midfield reinforcements, with several creative midfielders across Europe reportedly on their radar. However, the true solution to De Bruyne’s departure may lie in a tactical evolution rather than a direct replacement.

Guardiola has demonstrated throughout his managerial career an ability to adapt his systems to the players at his disposal. The post-De Bruyne era may see Manchester City adopt a different approach to build-up play and chance creation, potentially involving greater emphasis on wide areas and cutback opportunities.

Conclusion: A Summer of Transition at the Etihad

As Manchester City approach the summer transfer window, it’s clear the club stands at a crossroads. The potential additions of Rayan Ait-Nouri and the departure of Kevin De Bruyne symbolize a period of significant transition for the Premier League giants.

The club’s ability to navigate this period of change while maintaining their competitive edge across domestic and European competitions will be a stern test of their recruitment model and Guardiola’s tactical flexibility.

For Ait-Nouri, a move to Manchester City would represent a significant step up in his career, offering the opportunity to work under one of football’s most celebrated coaches and compete for the game’s biggest prizes. For De Bruyne, the next few months will determine whether his extraordinary talents remain in the Premier League or are showcased on a different stage entirely.

What remains certain is that Manchester City’s transfer business this summer will be watched with keen interest by rivals and neutrals alike, as the decisions made in the coming months could shape the Premier League landscape for seasons to come.