Could Rayan Ait-Nouri be Leicester City’s future left-back?

Leicester City are linked with a transfer for a French defender. Could Rayan Ait-Nouri the Foxes’ future left-back if Ben Chilwell leaves?

We are now into the month of August where we would normally be previewing the start of a fresh Leicester City campaign. But this year, the transfer rumours have only just begun and the season only finished last weekend.

With rumours of Ben Chilwell continuing to do the rounds on social media, more rumours of different left-backs to arrive at Leicester City have gathered pace. After likes of Nicolas Tagliafico and Jamal Lewis all being linked previously, Rayan Ait-Nouri is the new name on the ‘list’ for Brendan Rodgers.

Ait-Nouri currently plays for Angers SCO in Ligue 1 at only the age of 19-year-old. The left-back has already been capped three times by the France U23 side and is one of the most promising players in the country.

According to Footmercato, Leicester and Wolves are seriously eyeing up a move for the young-Frenchman this summer, with Manchester City submitting a bid for him.

Ait-Nouri made 17 appearances in the Ligue 1 before the worldwide outbreak of Covid-19 forced football to postpone for three months. He returns to action on the 23rd August when Dijon visit Stade Raymond Kopa for the opening weekend.

With the likelihood that Chilwell will depart King Power Stadium for either Manchester City or Chelsea increasing, the left-back position will be an area that Rodgers must improve if his side is to improve on last season’s 5th-placed finish.

Rodgers already possesses two quality players who can play in that position, both on the completely opposite end of their careers. Luke Thomas played in the Foxes final three league campaigns, impressing in his debut against Sheffield United and earning the Man of the Match award. At only 19-years-old himself, Thomas will be on cloud nine after being handed his professional debut this season.

Christian Fuchs will remain at the club for next season but remains out for a further 12 weeks after injuring his hip in the 4-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth in July.

With the club competing in four competitions next season, the first time since the 2016/17 campaign, the quality in depth will be vital for the Foxes. Ait-Nouri would fit into Leicester’s team perfectly, with his ability to drive back and forward whilst consistently delivering dangerous crosses.

Footmercato reported that the young defender will cost more than the £22m the club recieved from Lyon for Jeff-Reine Adelaide last summer. A perfect price for a young, talented player who will compete with Benjamin Mendy and Lucas Digne in the national team soon.