In recent years, Arsenal’s left-back position has been a revolving door of players, each bringing their own strengths but not quite solidifying the role as their own. With Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future at the club looking uncertain and the need for a more dependable option growing clearer, the Gunners have now turned their eyes towards the market.
Amongst the options reportedly being considered, promising talent in the Premier League—Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defender Rayan Ait-Nouri. Arsenal have joined their title rivals in targeting the Algerian, according to a report in The Mirror.
Arsenal’s struggle to find a reliable left-back has been a notable subplot in their otherwise successful team-building under manager Mikel Arteta. Zinchenko, brought in from Manchester City, was expected to be a long-term solution, but injuries and form have left his position less secure than hoped. This instability has led the club to scout extensively for potential upgrades to bolster what is already a strong squad heading into the next season.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, at just 22 years old, represents both a significant talent and a strategic investment for the future. His performances for Wolves this season have not gone unnoticed, with his attacking prowess and defensive capabilities marking him as one of the standout players in his position. Ait-Nouri’s ability to adapt to different tactical demands—evidenced by his role as an inverted left-back under Gary O’Neil—makes him a versatile and appealing option for Arsenal. He also has the ability to overlap and even play as a left winger.
However, Arsenal is not alone in their interest. Title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are also keen on securing the services of Ait-Nouri, with Pep Guardiola reportedly seeing him as a perfect fit for his team’s tactical setup. This competition could drive up the player’s price, which is already set around the £50million mark due to his performances and potential.
Moreover, any deal for Ait-Nouri is complicated by financial arrangements from his past transfer. Wolves are obligated to pay 50% of any transfer fee received for Ait-Nouri to his former club, Angers, as part of the agreement made when he moved to the Premier League in 2021. Although Wolves have the option to buy out this sell-on clause, it would require additional financial outlay, potentially inflating the overall cost of the transfer.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s first moves in the market as they look to make upgrades across the pitch.