Arsenal have shown an interest in Serie A defender Michael Kayode.
Arsenal have been interested in Michael Kayode for some time, a player they have been told “can do amazing things.”
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the teenage full-back’s current availability and where the Gunners stand in their pursuit of his services.
Writing in his Daily Briefing, Romano stated that Kayode “signed a new deal with Fiorentina just three weeks ago. My understanding is that he’s very happy at Fiorentina and not close to any other club, so any links with Arsenal or others would just be about regular scouting activity by multiple clubs – we expect these clubs to keep an eye on one of the most talented full-backs in Serie A. He’s a very good player and one to watch for the future.”
The news of Kayode’s new contract may well have come as a blow to Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu. Even if the Gunners are still keen to strike a deal for the 19-year-old, Fiorentina are now in a very strong negotiating position, unless there is some kind of release clause in the player’s new deal which has not yet come to light.
In any case, it is seems highly doubtful that Arsenal were planning to make a concerted effort towards signing Kayode in the immediate future, anyway. Certainly, the north London club have other priorities when it comes to the upcoming January transfer window.
Michael Kayode not yet top of Arsenal’s shopping list
In the winter window, Arsenal seem set on bolstering their midfield contingent. The injury sustained by Thomas Partey has created a greater sense of urgency to source reinforcements in that part of the pitch.
Bringing in Kayode to add greater depth at right-back is not a must, at this stage, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both available to play there, and with Jurrien Timber also on the books at the Emirates Stadium, albeit still in the process of recovering from a long-term injury.
There is no doubting that Kayode is an exciting prospect, with huge potential. However, with just nine senior club appearances under his belt so far in his career, all having come this season, he still has plenty to prove. The Italy under-21 international would likely be well-served by spending longer at Fiorentina and honing his craft.
Whilst Arteta has shown a great willingness to invest and put his faith in youth, he also has a track record of signing young players with a decent amount of top level experience. Kayode doesn’t yet fit this category. The Gunners will likely keep tabs on the defender until he has shown that he can regularly and reliably perform well at the top level of club football.
However, if and when Arsenal do decide to make a move for Kayode, they are likely to meet intense competition for his services. As Romano expects, plenty of clubs will have the player on their radar.
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