‘I Understand’: Fabrizio Romano Clarifies Chelsea’s Link’s To ‘Very Important’ Utility Defender

Chelsea are probably keeping an eye peeled on the upcoming summer transfer window after keeping quiet in the previous winter one, and they have been reported to be keen on signing a new left-back. Amid this, the London side has also been linked to Wolves’ bright defender Rayan Ait-Nouri after his impressive performances.

Chelsea’s Links To Rayan Ait-Nouri Discussed

Are Chelsea Really Eager On Ait-Nouri Signing?

Fabrizio Romano has reflected on the Blues’ links to Ait-Nouri and reiterates again that the club have decided to sign a quality, young left-back in the summer window. However, he insists that “as far as I understand”, now is too early to speculate or reveal specific target names because there is still quite a bit of the campaign to go. Romano also refuses to delve much into Chelsea’s links to Ligue 1 side Brest’s left-back Bradley Locko.

He further comments on his CaughtOffside column about these links: “It is true that Chelsea are looking for left-backs, but we’re going to hear a lot of names and I don’t like to add too much speculation, just report the facts, so let’s see what they decide as it’s still only the early stage of discussions and I’m not aware of a preferred player that they’re targeting for that role as of yet.”

Can Ait-Nouri Be An Effective Signing For Chelsea?

Ait-Nouri has been a key part of the Wolves team since joining the club in 2020 from Angers, on an initial one-year loan deal before that was made permanent in 2021 for a fee of around £9.8 million. He has made over 100 appearances for the Wanderers in all competitions and has really been shining under Gary O’Neil in the 2023/24 campaign.

He has made 29 appearances so far for Wolves this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists. What is more impressive is his versatility, with the 22-year-old able to play as an auxiliary winger if necessary too. In fact, O’Neil said that he was “very important” because of his adaptability and that the Algerian could even play in midfield if needed.

Chelsea, however, would want him as a left-back option and might make a move for him if the 22-year-old can keep producing top-quality performances against commendable opposition in the months to come.