Full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Molineux in 2024 with Chelsea eyeing a move, and Wolves have set their sights on Brazilian Guilherme Arana as a potential replacement.
It has been claimed by 90min that Ait-Nouri’s fine performances this season have piqued the interest of the Blues.
Ait-Nouri has been one of Wolves’ best players this term, and has responded really well to the arrival of Gary O’Neil as head coach, after being frozen out under Julen Lopetegui.
As a result of his fine form, there have been reports of other clubs showing interest. As well as Chelsea, it’s thought that Liverpool, Nice and Marseille are all keen.
Should Ait-Nouri leave, then it may be that Wolves again turn to the South American market…
Wolves interested in Guilherme Arana if Rayan Ait-Nouri leaves
90min brought news of the interest from Chelsea in Ait-Nouri, but there is also a claim that Wolves are looking at Guilherme Arana, a Brazilian defender currently playing for Atletico Mineiro.
At the moment, it is only reported that Wolves have begun scouting the player.
Arana, 26, has been with Mineiro since 2020, having joined on an initial loan deal from Sevilla.
He came through the youth ranks at Corinthians before heading over to Europe after a few years in their first-team. It didn’t really work out for Arana in Spain, as he made only 25 appearances for Sevilla, and spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Atalanta, for whom he hardly featured.
Arana, who has five caps for Brazil, recently returned from a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Arana could be decent pick-up
Hopefully, Wolves will be able to hold onto Ait-Nouri for as long as possible, because he genuinely has the potential to become a top-class full-back/wing-back.
We have seen this season what a brilliant outlet he can be, and recent data has suggested he’s also improved defensively, namely his tackling.
But money talks, and it’s possible someone could come in with a huge bid for the Algeria international. Wolves are therefore right to be looking at replacements just in case.
Arana could be a decent signing depending on the price.
Wolves have had success dipping into the South American market in recent times, and the last player Wolves signed from Brazil specifically turned out to be very good indeed in Joao Gomes.
Arana has made 167 appearances for Atletico Mineiro and scored 15 goals and made 24 assists, which is a really good return for a left-back. Those numbers do suggest him as being an attack-minded full-back, potentially making him a decent replacement for Ait-Nouri should Wolves lose him.