Manchester City 'ready to pay up' for Liverpool-linked left-back

In a potential blow to Liverpool's transfer aspirations in the summer, reports suggest that Manchester City have opened talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers regarding a potential transfer for left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

According to FootballTransfers, the 22-year-old's standout performances as a left wing-back have caught the attention of Manchester City and other heavyweight Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal.

➡️ READ MORE: Alisson on the move as £4.75million mansion is listed for sale

However, Pep Guardiola's side now appear to be leading the race for the Algerian defender's signature, with their strong relationship with both Wolves and super agent Jorge Mendes giving them a major advantage.

Swap deal

Sources close to the deal suggest that Manchester City are exploring the possibility of a player-plus-cash swap deal involving Sergio Gomez.

It's believed that the 23-year-old is desperate for more playing time and is therefore seeking a move away from the Etihad this summer.

The Spanish left-back, who has struggled for regular first-team opportunities at Manchester City since his arrival from Anderlecht in 2022, has made just 14 appearances this season, with Guardiola preferring to play both Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake in that position.

With Gvardiol and Ake centre-backs by trade, the City manager is understood to be keen on acquiring a more attacking option for that flank. Fulham's Antonee Robinson is also under consideration.

Hefty price tag

The Midlands club have reportedly set Ait-Nouri's price tag at £60 million (€70 million), a figure that Manchester City find acceptable.

However, the same cannot be said for Wolves' valuation of Pedro Neto, another player of interest to the Premier League champions.

Wolves have placed a hefty £80 million (€94 million) price tag on Neto, which City view as excessive.

The tricky winger, also linked with Liverpool, was previously considered a major transfer target but concerns over his injury record, having missed a total of 47 games since the start of last season, have dampened City's enthusiasm.