Nice pushing to sign Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has emerged as a primary target for Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, claims Foot Mercato.

The 22-year-old has reportedly grown frustrated with his lack of playing time at Molineux Stadium, having started in just nine of his 21 Premier League appearances last season.

Ait-Nouri fell below in the pecking order following Julen Lopetegui’s arrival, with the Spanish manager preferring Hugo Bueno as the starting left back.

In Bueno’s absence, Lopetegui has also preferred Toti Gomes ahead of Ait-Nouri in the full-back role, despite the Portuguese defender being a natural centre-back.

Ait-Nouri is reportedly open to moving back to France, having progressed through the youth ranks at Angers before joining Wolves on an initial loan deal in 2020.

The defender has represented France across every youth group, including the under-18, U19, and U21, but never made it to the senior side. He instead pledged his allegiance to Algeria at the senior level but has only been capped once.

Nice have been tracking Ait-Nouri since the January transfer window – a move spearheaded by sporting director Florent Ghisolfi. But they opted to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Le Gym have now returned for the Algeria international’s signature as they bid to provide competition for first-choice Melvin Bard at left-back.

Having parted ways with Nathan Collins, Conor Coady, and Ruben Neves, Wolves are reportedly under no pressure to part ways with any other first-team member.

The West Midlands club were previously under the microscope regarding their finances, but earlier departures have put them in the clear.

However, they may wish to sanction one more sale to generate more funds for player recruitment, with Lopetegui keen to strengthen his squad.

AC Milan full-back Fode Ballo Toure has also emerged as a target for Nice, but Le Gym have prioritised Ait-Nouri. It remains to be seen if Wolves are open to negotiating terms of a transfer.