Chelsea identify Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri as a replacement for Marcos Alonso
According to Birmingham Live, Chelsea have identified Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri as a potential replacement for Marcos Alonso, who is expected to leave this summer.
Ait-Nouri is coming on the back of an impactful season at Wolves, impressing new club boss Bruno Lage and in the process, establishing himself as a dependable regular at the Molineux.
The 2001-born Frenchman made 27 appearances across all competitions last term, scoring once and providing six assists. It was a promising season from a player who could develop into a dependable defensive ace in the years to come.
He joined Wolves initially on loan from Ligue 1 side Angers in 2020 before Wolves decided to make the move permanent last summer. It has proven to be an inspired decision as the youngster continues to go from strength to strength.
Ait-Nouri has been courted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Premier League champions Manchester City. Man City however are also expected to make a move for Brighton’s Marc Cucurella – another Chelsea target, and should the Citizens acquire the Seagulls’ wingback, that would leave the door open for the West Londoners to sign Ait-Nouri.
On the international stage, Ait-Nouri has represented France U18s on ten occasions before earning five caps for the country’s U21s.
How will Alt-Nouri fit into Tuchel’s plans?
With Marcos Alonso expected to leave Chelsea this summer, the Blues will soon need to recruit someone who can serve as an understudy to first-choice left wingback Ben Chilwell.
Chilwell suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which ended his season prematurely but he is expected to be match-fit by the time pre-season gets underway.
With the Blues expected to compete on all fronts in every competition, it’s going to be a very long season for Tuchel’s side and having a strong and competitive bench is going to be just as important as having a world-class starting XI.
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Alt-Nouri isn’t expected to walk right into the starting XI, should he make the switch to London’s only Champions League winning club, but he can certainly provide valuable cover for Chilwell and establish himself as the second choice ahead of Emerson Palmeiri.