Tottenham targets left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri (23, Wolverhampton), who is a 'Teammate of Hwang Hee-chan.'
The British media outlet TeamTalk reported on the 20th (Korean time) that "Tottenham submitted an unofficial offer of £30 million (about 56.9 billion won) to acquire Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton. With several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, showing interest in Ait-Nouri, Tottenham has also joined the pursuit."
Ait-Nouri is a left-back from Algeria. He was loaned to Wolverhampton from Angers in the French Ligue 1 in October 2020. He made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace on October 30 of the same year and immediately scored his first professional goal.
Wolverhampton fully acquired Ait-Nouri in July 2021, signing a five-year contract. The transfer fee was reported to be about £9.8 million (approximately 18.5 billion won).
Ait-Nouri changed his nationality from French to Algerian in January 2023 and made his debut for the Algerian national team in the African Nations Cup qualifier against Niger on March 23 of that year.
He has appeared in a total of 148 games for Wolverhampton, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists.
Ait-Nouri's strengths lie in his quick pace and excellent attacking involvement. Although he is a left-back, he often advances like a winger, shaking up opposing defenses. He particularly excels at dribbling and is skilled at evading opponents.
His defensive skills are also improving. His tackling and interception abilities have been steadily enhancing. He reads the movements of opposing attackers well and shows strengths in one-on-one defending. While his physical attributes may be somewhat disadvantageous in aerial duels, he compensates with positioning and quick reactions.
Additionally, his passing ability is strong, playing an important role in the build-up process. He contributes to attacking development by utilizing short passes and crosses.
Tactically, he is quite flexible. He can play not only as a left-back but also in the roles of wing-back and wide midfielder. At Wolverhampton, he is utilized in both three-man and four-man defense systems and assumes various roles according to the team's tactics.
Tottenham is having a disappointing season. Currently, they are in 14th place in the league, making it difficult to qualify for European competition next season. Unless they win the Europa League, the chances of participating in European competitions next season are slim.
With the future of Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou uncertain, the club is preparing for the summer transfer market.
According to TeamTalk, Tottenham has contacted Wolverhampton regarding Ait-Nouri's acquisition. The outlet noted that "Tottenham has reportedly offered a transfer fee of £30 million, but as the transfer market has not yet opened, it may not be an official proposal."
Despite Wolverhampton's struggles this season, Ait-Nouri has performed well. While Liverpool and West Ham are also showing interest, TeamTalk claims that Tottenham is the team most likely to acquire Ait-Nouri.
However, it seems that Wolverhampton will not easily let Ait-Nouri go.
TeamTalk reported that "Although Ait-Nouri's contract with Wolverhampton is set to expire this summer, Wolverhampton holds a one-year extension option, so they do not need to let him go for a bargain price," adding that "Wolverhampton has reportedly set Ait-Nouri's transfer fee at £50 million (about 94.8 billion won). Even though Tottenham submitted a £30 million offer, it is considered insufficient."
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