Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly confident they will be able to dig their heels in this summer to keep youngster Rayan Ait-Nouri amid Chelsea interest.
Chelsea have already been linked with the 21-year-old Wolves star this week. A report mentioned the Blues’ interest, along with the claim that £25million could be enough to secure a deal.
However, The Sun claims Wolves manager Bruno Lage thinks his club can repel interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City in Ait-Nouri.
The report explains the Premier League boss reckons he can continue to get the best from the French full-back, who’s effective as either a left-back or left wing-back.
Wolves confident they will keep Ait-Nouri
Ait-Nouri, who Lage claims had a “fantastic” 2021/22 season, is a rising talent with big potential.
The quick wide player really established himself as an important player this campaign for Wolves, providing six assists in 27 appearances.
He’s still under contract at Molineux Stadium until 2026, so it’s no surprise the club feel they can fight off interest from some big hitters during the summer window.
It’s a big indication of what an exciting youngster Wolves have on their books, though.
He cost the West Midlands club just £9.5million when they signed him permanently back in 2021, so his valuation is now rising at a rapid rate with consistent Premier League contributions.
Chilwell cover?
On paper, Ait-Nouri looks an ideal addition to the Blues squad as cover for Chelsea’s first-choice left wing-back Ben Chilwell.
However, these fresh claims suggest it could be a tough transfer to pull off.
With Marcos Alonso linked with a move away from Chelsea, the club may need a replacement signing on the left side of defence.
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