Rayan Ait-Nouri Decides to Force Through January Manchester City Exit as Serie A Duo Make Contact

Rayan Ait-Nouri Decides to Force Through January Manchester City Exit as Serie A Duo Make Contact Rayan Ait-Nouri is highly keen on leaving Man City in January 2027 after struggling for club and country since the start of the season. Ait-Nouri, 25, moved to Manchester City from Wolvers in the summer of 2025 on a five-year deal running until 2030, after the Blues paid an initial fee of around £31 million for the left-back. The Algeria international has made only four appearances this season, totalling 168 minutes across the Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League, and he is still waiting for his first Premier League outing under Enzo Maresca in the 2026-27 campaign. Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly have been preferred at left-back, although the former Wolves man has contributed three assists from his limited minutes, including in his only start of the season against Norwich City in September. As reported by Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri , Ait-Nouri is determined to push through a move away from City in the upcoming winter window, and both Juventus and Napoli are already in position to pursue a deal for the defender. Tavolieri adds that talks are already underway between the representatives of the 25-year-old and the two Serie A clubs, as he looks to bring an end to a frustrating spell on the fringes of Maresca's squad. The report follows The Athletic's Sam Lee stating that Ait-Nouri is expected to leave in January if a strong enough offer arrives, having only decided he wanted to go in the final weeks of the summer window. Juventus had already been preparing a prompt loan approach , with the Turin club eager to strengthen at left-back and planning an initial loan that would include an option to make the move permanent if City allow him to leave. Manchester United are also among the interested parties, after the Old Trafford side were reported to be weighing up a loan move for a player whose attacking qualities and top-flight experience appeal to their recruitment staff. Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg has separately reported that the defender is open to leaving this winter , whilst a source close to the player told L'Equipe that his camp is doing everything possible to secure an exit before his talent goes to waste. Maresca discussed the left-back's situation last month, describing him as a natural full-back who is competing directly with Gvardiol and O'Reilly, although the Italian has continued to favour the Croatia international and the academy graduate in the league. Napoli's interest adds a further layer to the situation, with the Italian club due to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League on November 24, less than six weeks before the January window opens. Ait-Nouri started 20 of his 28 appearances across all competitions during his debut season under Pep Guardiola, despite an ankle injury in September 2025 that ruled him out for around 13 matches for club and country. The defender left Algeria's camp early during a recent international window following an altercation that began with him on the bench, and he was again absent from his country's squad for the November break. Manchester City return from the international break at home to Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on November 21, before hosting Napoli in the Champions League three days later and visiting Arsenal on Sunday 29 November.