Wolves have been handed a slight boost ahead of the summer transfer window as Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the future of Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Gary O’Neil is set to face a busy summer at Molineux as the 2023/24 campaign heads onto the final straight.
There has been a host of speculation regarding the future of some of the more prominent talents on show at Wolves, with Pedro Neto undoubtedly the most desired asset in the Old Gold’s squad.
That being said, another one of O’Neil’s top performers has seen his future take the spotlight when it comes to transfer speculation, with Rayan Ait-Nouri the latest Wolves subject to attract interest.
After what has been an outstanding season for the Algerian, it would be agonising for the Midlands club to see the 22-year-old depart Molineux given the impact he has in the manager’s system.
While reports have placed the defender on the radar of a number of clubs, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has played down the links between Ait-Nouri and Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano plays down Rayan Ait-Nouri to Chelsea links
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano touched upon the Blues’ desire to sign a left-back in the summer, with Ait-Nouri mentioned as a potential target.
“I’ve seen some reports about the likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri at Wolves, and also talented young Brest left-back Bradley Locko, but it’s still early to know specific names, as far as I understand.”
“It is true that Chelsea are looking for left-backs, but we’re going to hear a lot of names and I don’t like to add too much speculation, just report the facts, so let’s see what they decide as it’s still only the early stage of discussions and I’m not aware of a preferred player that they’re targeting for that role as of yet.”
Fabrizio Romano update will come as a relief to Wolves
It would be naive to rule out a potential summer move for Ait-Nouri based on Romano’s update however, his understanding will calm a lot of people at Wolves heading into the summer.
The Algerian has been spectacular for the Old Gold this term, reviving his Molineux career under O’Neil after almost being exiled from the squad by Julen Lopetegui last season.
The boss has been blessed in recent weeks with the defender’s versatility, seeing him thrive in his system operating on the left flank to support both at the back and in attack.
At just 22 years old, it’s incredible to think just how high the £10k-a-week Wolves star’s ceiling is, as he appears to improve week upon week at Molineux.
While the Old Gold will not want to lose their prized full-back, the reported interest in the Algeria international could see Fosun once again found sitting on a gold mine heading into the transfer window.