Arsenal eye ‘amazing’ player as club take steps to stop Gunners snatching him

Follow us on Google Discover

Fiorentina are already in discussions to extend Michael Kayode’s contract as the Serie A outfit look to keep their rising star out of the clutches of Premier League challengers Arsenal. 

They do say one man’s misery is another’s fortune, and that certainly feels like the case with Michael Kayode. Parachuted into the Fiorentina XI following a serious long-term injury to fellow right-back Dodo – the Brazilian underwent surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last week – Kayode is grabbing this most unexpected of opportunities with both hands. 

He was outstanding in the 3-0 weekend win over Cagliari. Scouts from Arsenal, meanwhile, were reportedly in the stands to watch Kayode register the first assist of his still embryonic Serie A career. 

Arsenal scout Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode

And, while there are still two years left on Kayode’s contract, Fiorentina are already being urged to trigger the 12-month extension clause in the 19-year-old’s contract. 

“I was amazed by Kayode’s strength,” Fiorentina-mad reporter Corrardo Formigli tells Firenze Viola. “He is an impressive boy. A player of this calibre hasn’t been seen in Florence for some time. He should be locked down immediately.

“He’s a player who eats up the pitch, and I’m seeing him do amazing things.”  

Fiorentina, according to Calciomercato, could do better than to tie Kayode down for a further 12 months. Negotiations over a new and more long-term deal are already underway. One that could potentially keep the former Juventus starlet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi until as far away as 2028. 

The report adds that Arsenal were first alerted to Kayode’s potential after watching him in action for Italy at the U19 European Championships recently. A tournament the young Azzurri won. 

A first ever assist from Serie A’s rising star

Kayode, meanwhile, is staying focused on improving his overall game. The teenager wants to increase his end-product, and a first ever Serie A assist against Cagliari is certainly a step in the right direction. 

“I’m living (my life) well, the coach has faith in me. I work with my team-mates to give my best,” Kayode tells Sky Italia. 

“I always try to learn, especially from my team-mate Dodo who always gives me advice. For example, I definitely have to improve on my final decision (in the final third).”