Liverpool might lose out on acquiring Wolverhampton Wanderers talent Rayan Ait-Nouri as reports suggest Chelsea have entered the race for his signature.
Ait-Nouri initially emerged from the Paris FC youth setup before joining Angers U19s in July 2016. Transitioning into Angers’ senior squad, the left-back showcased his versatility by also contributing further up the field as a left midfielder. Despite his limited appearances—23 in total—his standout performances attracted the attention of several top European clubs.
Opting for a strategic move, Ait-Nouri chose Wolves over a move to an elite European team. His time at Wolves has been marked by consistent growth, making 92 appearances and notching up four goals and eight assists.
Under new Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, Ait-Nouri has been in top form this season, catching the eye of potential suitors, including Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp sees him as an improvement over Kostas Tsimikas and a possible successor to Andy Robertson.
However, Liverpool could face stiff competition from Chelsea, who have also identified Ait-Nouri as a key target for the future. Chelsea’s recruitment staff has been impressed by his recent performances and is pushing co-owner Todd Boehly to sanction a move.
Chelsea’s left-back options—currently featuring Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, and Levi Colwill—have uncertainties, with injury concerns and potential departures creating space for Ait-Nouri.
Despite Wolves’ financial challenges, stemming from the need to sell players like Ruben Neves previously, they are unlikely to allow Ait-Nouri to depart easily. His considerable potential and a contract running until 2026 provide leverage, meaning Wolves are likely to demand a significant fee if they decide to sell.