Juventus are preparing a fresh approach for Rayan Ait-Nouri in January after the Manchester City full-back’s struggles for regular football this season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian outlet reports that Juventus have already contacted the Algeria international’s entourage to gauge his availability for a winter move. It is not the first time the Bianconeri have circled Ait-Nouri: he was a target for both Juventus and Milan last year, and Juve returned with a concrete offer over the summer before he chose to stay at the Etihad.
That decision to remain in Manchester has not worked out for Ait-Nouri. He has been restricted to 105 minutes of action this season, with Nico O’Reilly preferred on the left and Josko Gvardiol also back in the mix under Enzo Maresca.
Despite the lack of minutes, the left-back has still managed three assists, including one in City’s Champions League opener away to FC Porto. Gazzetta dello Sport notes that City, aware of how little he is playing, could now be open to a loan with an option to buy rather than insisting on a permanent sale.
The interest fits a clear need at Continassa. Juventus have been short of natural cover on the left since Andrea Cambiaso’s fitness issues and Juan Cabal’s absence forced Luciano Spalletti to use Zeki Celik, a natural right-back, out of position. It is a similar logic to the one behind Spalletti’s reported interest in Emerson Palmieri as another Premier League full-back option.
Ait-Nouri arrived at City from Wolverhampton Wanderers for €36.8 million just over a year ago, and any January deal would likely hinge on City’s willingness to negotiate below that outlay given his lack of game time. With Cambiaso’s long-term role also under discussion at Juventus, the club’s left-back planning for January looks set to remain a live issue right up until the window opens.
The post Ait-Nouri’s City Struggles Put Juventus Loan in Focus appeared first on Juvefc.com.
