Arsenal scout ‘amazing’ rising star who will give Arteta something different

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Arsenal reportedly scouted Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode over the weekend with the Premier League challengers impressed by the youngster’s performances in Serie A. 

Despite Ben White’s transformation from a ball-plying centre-half into a rampaging right-back – and with Takehiro Tomiyasu providing very reliable back-up – a natural right-sided full-back remains absent from Mikel Arteta’s otherwise impressive roster. 

That could soon change, however. Presuming Arsenal opt to step up their interest in young Michael Kayode in the coming months. 

Arsenal scout Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode

According to Firenze Viola, Arsenal scouted 19-year-old Kayode over the weekend. The teenager provided the first assist of his senior career on only his fourth Serie A appearance as Fiorentina crushed Cagliari 3-0, the report adding that the Gunners’ representatives were full of admiration for the way Kayode went about his business from the right-hand side. 

One of Juventus and capped by Italy at U19 level, Kayode is already threatening to become one of the country’s breakthrough talents this term.

Fiorentina, however, are under no immediate pressure to cash in. Kayode is under contract until 2025, while La Viola also have a 12-month extension clause at their disposal. 

A clause which, according to Fiorentina-mad reporter Corrado Formigli, should be triggered sooner rather than later. 

Fiorentina urged to tie down Kayode

“I was amazed by Kayode’s strength,” 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.” 

Arsenal, in the Edu and Mikel Arteta era, have made excellent use of the transfer market, making the Emirates Stadium home to some of the most exciting up-and-coming talents in European football. Kayode, then, would be in very good company, while offering Arteta a more ‘natural’ option on the right-hand side. 

“The boy is impressive,” adds Fiorentina director Daniele Prade. “If he continues like this, I don’t know where he can go. Michael is giving us a lot of satisfaction.”