Arsenal target Michael Kayode shut down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this weekend with the Premier League-linked full-back shining in Fiorentina’s 3-1 victory over Serie A holders Napoli.
You could probably count on one hand the number of defenders who kept Napoli’s Georgian dribble king quiet on one hand last season but, as Fiorentina ran riot at the home of the champions, 19-year-old Michael Kayode joined that very exclusive club.
Scouted by Premier League challengers Arsenal are a stunning start to the new season (Calciomercato), the teenager was expected to struggle up against the Serie A Player of the Year but instead raised his game, restricting Kvaratskhelia to the role of a frustrated spectator.
Arsenal are big fans of Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode
“This one is really strong,” Pino Vitale, an experienced Italian agent, tells Radio Firenze Viola.
“Incredible. He forced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to chase him.
“It was the best match ever since (Vincenzo) Italiano took over Fiorentina. They didn’t let Napoli play and ate them up. (Full-backs Fabiano) Parisi and Kayode are strong and played an excellent game.
“Kvaratskhelia had to change wings due to the way Kayode controlled him! There is no need to worry about him. He is only 19 years old, but he is a ‘player’.”
According to Calciomercato, Fiorentina are already in talks to tie Kayode down to a new deal, even if they still have a one-year extension clause in his current contract.
The Italy U19 international has only played seven senior games for La Viola since arriving from lower league Gozzano in 2021, but further opportunities should be on the way after fellow right-back Dodo was ruled out until the New Year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Kayode could give Arsenal something different
At Arsenal, meanwhile, Kayode would give Mikel Arteta a more natural option at right-back, even if Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber have all shown themselves to be very comfortable on the flank.
“Extraordinary performance,” Fiorentina director Daniel Prade said of Kayode after that Napoli hammering.
“(Kayode) is unscrupulous. He has personality, he is not afraid of anything and is not afraid of confrontation,” adds coach Vincenzo Italiano.
“Above all, he is not afraid of these big games. On a character level, he is already ready (for Serie A). He has great potential. If he keeps his feet firmly on the ground, he can become a really good player.”
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