With Angers in 2018, Ait-Nouri made a name for himself as one of the top young left-backs in the league. He was loaned to Wolves in 2020, and the following year he signed a permanent contract there worth £10 million.
The 22-year-old was barred from the club by former manager Julen Lopetegui and was on the verge of a summer transfer to Nice in French Ligue 1. However, under current boss Gary O’Neil, he has made a significant impact.
Chelsea is taking notice of Ait-Nouri as he is making an impression once more. Chelsea has reportedly been monitoring the 22-year-old as they prepare for potential alterations to their depth at left back in the forthcoming campaign.
The £21 million contract for the Tunisian international is valid until 2026.
The 21-year-old Dutch left back Ian Maatsen is coming up on the last 18 months of his contract, and with Manchester City’s strong interest in him, it’s possible he might be sold this summer.
Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella are also members of Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea team. Maintaining depth will help create rivalry for a starting spot in the team, even though Mauricio Pochettino will be eager to reduce the position’s bloated left back population.
In case Cucurella, Chilwell, or Maatsen are sold, the Blues are also keeping an eye on left-back prospects like Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich and Valentin Barco of Boca Juniors.
Ait-Nouri has impressed Chelsea, who are considering many options as competition for Davies and Barco increases. Ait-Nouri has also been earmarked by Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain for a possible move in the summer.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea would increase Maatsen’s contract at Stamford Bridge rather than spend on another left-back. However, Maatsen’s stay seems unlikely as the Dutch international has found playing time difficult to come by.