Juventus target Manchester City defender Rayan Aït-Nouri in January loan move

Juventus are considering a January move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, with the Italian club reportedly interested in a loan deal containing an option to buy.

The 25-year-old Algeria international has struggled for regular playing time since joining City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2025 and has yet to feature in the Premier League this season.

According to Italian journalist Niccolò Ceccarini of Tuttomercatoweb, Juventus have identified Aït-Nouri as a leading candidate to strengthen their left flank.

Juventus are assessing potential reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, with a new left-sided defender among their priorities.

Ceccarini reports that Aït-Nouri is one of the club's preferred options, with the Bianconeri hoping to convince Manchester City to agree to an initial loan with an option to make the transfer permanent.

The Italian side are reportedly prepared to move quickly if City indicate they are willing to negotiate.

However, there is no confirmation that Juventus have submitted a formal proposal or that the Premier League club are prepared to release the defender.

Juventus are also considering other candidates, including Rennes youngster Mahamadou Nagida and former Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri, who currently plays for Marseille.

Aït-Nouri joined Manchester City from Wolves in June 2025 after establishing himself as an attacking left-back in the Premier League.

However, his opportunities at the Etihad Stadium have been limited.

The Algerian made 17 Premier League appearances during the 2025/26 season, playing 974 minutes and providing two assists.

He has yet to make a league appearance during the current campaign, although he has featured in other competitions.

Aït-Nouri also represented Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, making four appearances.

A potential January transfer could offer the defender an opportunity to secure more consistent playing time after struggling to establish himself in Enzo Maresca's plans.

Juventus' preferred loan arrangement would require Manchester City's agreement, and there is no indication that the English club have accepted the proposed structure.

Ceccarini reports that Juventus could act quickly if City become receptive to negotiations, but the defender remains one of several options under consideration.

Nagida and Emerson Palmieri are also on the Italian club's shortlist, giving Juventus alternatives if a deal for Aït-Nouri proves difficult.

For now, the reported interest has not developed into a confirmed offer or agreement between the clubs.

Juventus must establish whether Manchester City would consider a January loan with an option to buy before deciding whether to pursue Aït-Nouri.

The Italian club are also assessing Nagida and Emerson Palmieri, meaning their choice of left-back target could depend on which deal becomes achievable before the winter transfer window opens.