Juventus are reportedly preparing to bring in a new option in January after Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri struggled in regular fixtures this season. “Gazzetta dello Sport”.
According to Italian media reports, Juventus have contacted the Algeria international’s entourage to assess whether he can move in the winter. This isn’t the first time the Bianconeri have targeted Nouri: he was a target for Juventus and Milan last year, with Juventus making a concrete offer this summer before he opted to stay at the Etihad.
A move that has yet to pay off
The decision to stay in Manchester did not work out for Ait-Nouri. He has been limited to 105 minutes this season, with Nico O’Reilly preferring to play on the left and Josko Gvardiol also returning under Enzo Maresca.
Despite limited playing time, the left-back still contributed three assists, including one in Manchester City’s Champions League opener away to Porto. La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that City are aware of how little playing time he will have and now have the option of loaning him out with the option to buy rather than insisting on a permanent sale.
Why Juventus needs a left-back
This interest is in line with Continassa’s clear needs. Juventus have lacked natural cover on the left since Andrea Cambiasso’s fitness issues and Juan Caval’s absence forced Luciano Spalletti to use natural right-back Zeki Celik out of position. This is similar to the logic behind Spalletti’s reported interest in Emerson Palmieri as another Premier League full-back option.
Aite Nouri joined City from Wolves for €36.8 million just over a year ago and any deal in January is likely to depend on City’s willingness to negotiate for less than that fee, given his lack of game time. With Cambiaso’s long-term role at Juventus also under discussion, the club’s January left-back plans look to remain a real issue ahead of the transfer window opening.