Wolves face battle to keep top defender as AC Milan show interest | OneFootball

Report: AC Milan Target Wolves Star Rayan Ait-Nouri in Summer Transfer Plans

Wolverhampton Wanderers have long been a club operating within the realities of modern football economics. Develop talent, sell high, and reinvest cautiously—this has been the cycle. Gazzetta dello Sport now reports that AC Milan have identified Wolves’ left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri as a potential summer signing, and speculation over his future is mounting.

AC Milan’s Interest in Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri has been a standout performer since arriving from Angers in 2021, evolving into a composed and tactically aware full-back. His performances have attracted admirers across Europe, with Manchester United previously linked. Now, Milan have reportedly made initial contact with the Algerian’s representatives, assessing whether a move is viable.

Photo: IMAGO

Crucially, Ait-Nouri’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has deep-rooted connections with Milan. Mendes has previously facilitated high-profile moves to the San Siro, including Joao Felix’s recent loan. If Milan decide to formalise their interest, Mendes’ influence could play a pivotal role in negotiations.

Wolves’ Dilemma and Contract Situation

Wolves, while financially stable after recent player sales, are unlikely to ignore a lucrative offer for Ait-Nouri. His current contract runs until 2026, with an option for an additional year. This places Wolves in a position of relative strength, but Milan may attempt to move before the club ties him down long-term.

Wolves fans have grown accustomed to seeing key players leave in successive summers. While the club’s recruitment team has a solid track record of finding value in the market, replacing an established Premier League talent like Ait-Nouri will not be straightforward.

What Happens Next?

Should Milan push forward with a concrete offer, Wolves must decide whether to cash in or resist interest in a bid to build a more stable squad. Given their history, few would be surprised if they choose the former, using any funds to reinforce multiple positions rather than rely on one star player.

Photo: IMAGO

The next few months will be decisive. If Milan are serious about signing Ait-Nouri, Wolves supporters may need to brace themselves for yet another high-profile exit.

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For Wolves fans, this is all too familiar. Another summer, another talented player linked with a move away. It feels like a never-ending cycle of rebuilding, with progress constantly stunted by key departures.

Ait-Nouri has become a crucial component of Wolves’ defensive structure. Losing him would not only weaken the squad but also signal to other clubs that Wolves remain a selling club rather than a team with serious ambitions of stability and growth. If Wolves are to break free from this pattern, they must start holding onto their best talents. Selling every summer only ensures perpetual transition, not progress.

However, should Wolves opt to cash in, recruitment will be key. The club has often found strong replacements, but with left-backs of Ait-Nouri’s calibre hard to come by, fans will be wary of a downgrade. If Milan offer a substantial fee, Wolves must ensure that any funds are reinvested wisely, or risk another season of struggles and inconsistency.

For now, Wolves supporters wait, hoping this is not another repeat of past disappointments.