Tottenham targets Ait-Nouri as competition heats up with Premier League rivals

Tottenham is pursuing the acquisition of Wolverhampton full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri (23).

The British media outlet Teamtalk reported on the 20th (Korean time) that "Tottenham has sent an unofficial offer of £30 million (approximately 5.69 billion won) to acquire Ait-Nouri. With several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, showing interest, Tottenham has also entered the competition."

Ait-Nouri is a left-back for the Algeria national team, who moved on loan from French Ligue 1 Angers to Wolverhampton in October 2020. He made his Premier League debut on October 30 of the same year against Crystal Palace, leaving a strong impression by scoring his first professional goal. Subsequently, Wolverhampton decided to make his transfer permanent in July 2021, signing a five-year contract. The transfer fee was approximately £9.8 million (around 1.85 billion won).

Ait-Nouri, who switched his nationality from France to Algeria in January 2023, made his debut for the Algeria national team on March 23 of that year in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger.

He has played 148 matches for Wolverhampton to date, recording 11 goals and 13 assists.

Ait-Nouri's strengths include his quick pace and ability to contribute to the attack. Despite being a left-back, he actively pushes forward and disrupts opposing defenses with dribbling runs. His defensive skills have also shown consistent improvement recently, with evaluations indicating enhanced tackling and interception abilities, as well as improved one-on-one defense.

He also excels in passing ability, playing an essential role in the buildup process. He contributes to attack progression using short passes and crosses. Tactically flexible, he can perform roles not only as a full-back but also as a wing-back and wide midfielder. He is utilized in both Wolverhampton's three-back and four-back systems, demonstrating excellent tactical adaptability.

Tottenham is currently ranked 14th in the Premier League this season. Unless they win the UEFA Europa League, it is challenging for them to participate in European competitions next season. With the future of head coach Ange Postecoglou uncertain, the club is actively seeking player reinforcements in preparation for the summer transfer window.

Teamtalk reported, "Tottenham has contacted Wolverhampton regarding the acquisition of Ait-Nouri. It is said that they proposed a transfer fee of £30 million, but since the transfer window has not opened yet, it may not be considered an official offer."

Wolverhampton does not seem to be willing to let Ait-Nouri go easily. Teamtalk added, "Wolverhampton holds an option to extend his contract for another year, so they do not need to sell Ait-Nouri for a bargain. It is reported that they have set a staggering transfer fee of £50 million (approximately 9.48 billion won). Tottenham's offer of £30 million is insufficient."

Ait-Nouri is contracted with Wolverhampton until June 2026.

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