For Ait-Nouri, a move to the red side of Manchester would represent a chance to reignite a career that has stalled since his big-money move from Molineux. The full-back was signed by City in a deal worth approximately £32m just last summer, but his progress has been hampered by a series of setbacks.
An early ankle injury disrupted his integration into the first team, and his involvement was further limited when he departed to represent Algeria during their Africa Cup of Nations campaign mid-season.
Under the new leadership of Maresca, the defender has found himself even further down the pecking order. With the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis, and Nico O’Reilly all capable of playing in his preferred position, Ait-Nouri has remained an unused substitute during City’s opening Premier League victories against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, leaving his future looking increasingly bleak.