Liverpool in pole position to sign Chelsea and Manchester City target - Reports
Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is also being targeted by Chelsea and Manchester City. Ait-Nouri can operate as a left-back and a left wing-back and is known for his attacking capabilities.
The 23-year-old defender scored three goals and provided two assists in 38 appearances across competitions for Wolves in the 2023-24 season.
These impressive performances with the Premier League side have led to interest from three of the league's 'Big 6' clubs. According to journalist Abel Hamed (via TBR Football), Ait-Nouri is likely to leave Wolves this summer.
Wolves reportedly want more than £50 million to let go of the 23-year-old's services. They view him as a player who can grow to become indispensable, leading to his heightened transfer fee.
Abel Hamed also noted that while clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City have registered their interest in his services, Liverpool are leading the race to sign the defender. Ait-Nouri could compete for playing time with Reds' left-back Andrew Robertson.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano provides update on Chelsea and Liverpool target Nico Williams
Chelsea and Liverpool have both been linked with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams in the ongoing transfer window. The Spaniard had an impressive 2023-24 season, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists in 31 La Liga games.
While there have been reports of interest from Stamford Bridge, journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that the Blues have been put off by the cost of the deal. In an interaction with The Daily Briefing, he said (via Empire of the Kop):
"What I’m told now, is that although the appreciation remains, Chelsea are not advancing on Williams, because of the cost of the deal. He has a €58m release clause but also an important salary – he’s already earning important money at Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea believe his demands are very big."
Expanding on the interest of Liverpool and Arsenal, Romano added:
"Arsenal and Liverpool have also been following the situation, but there’s still nothing advanced."
For the time being, Nico Williams will keep his focus on EURO 2024, where he is an important part of the Spain squad which has reached the knockout stages.