After a promising start to his tenure at Wolves, Gary O’Neill now finds himself under pressure, with his team securing just one win in their last 20 matches, a record that reflects relegation-level form.
As the situation at Molineux grows more dire, several key players could be on the move if the club is relegated. One of those players is Rayan Ait-Nouri, the attacking left-wing back who has managed to stand out despite his team’s struggles. According to Molineux News, both Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly interested in the 23-year-old Algerian, who joined Wolves from Angers for a modest £10m in 2020.
Ait-Nouri’s versatility and dynamism make him a strong fit for Chelsea’s player acquisition model. However, his potential departure from Wolves could face stiff competition from top clubs, including Liverpool, and other European teams that have also expressed interest in the talented defender.
While Chelsea’s squad appeared well-balanced this summer, with enough depth to rotate effectively in league and cup competitions, there’s always room for improvement, particularly in the full-back positions. With the likes of Malo Gusto, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, and Renato Veiga, Chelsea has depth in this area, but each player also has notable flaws. While James is arguably the standout, his injury record has been a concern.
In this context, Ait-Nouri becomes an intriguing option, especially if Wolves are forced to sell him at a reduced price due to relegation. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him a valuable addition, potentially offering Chelsea a fresh, long-term solution on the left flank.
