- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Aston Villa have opened talks with £25 million-rated Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode though Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race.
HITC understands that Aston Villa are in the market for a right-back this summer with the future of Matty Cash uncertain under Unai Emery. Cash has been linked with a move to Italian giants AC Milan.
And his replacement could potentially move in the other direction, from Serie A to the Premier League. Aston Villa are big fans of Michael Kayode.
The Midland giants have now opened talks with Fiorentina too, and it is understood that a deal in the region of £25 million will be enough to reach an agreement.
Still only 19, Kayode was one of the breakout talents of Serie A in 2023/24. The teenager played nearly 40 games in all competitions for the UEFA Conference League runners-up although he did not get off the bench during that heartbreaking 1-0 defeat by Olympiacos in Athens.
Kayode earned a lot of praise in particular for the way he handed Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during a superb 3-1 win for La Viola. A performance labelled ‘extraordinary’ by Fiorentina director Daniele Prade.
Aston Villa ahead of Tottenham in Michael Kayode race
“This one is really strong,” agreed Pino Vitale, an experienced Italian agent, in conversation with 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’.”
Aston Villa appear to have stolen a march on their rival suitors, but nothing is done at this stage. HITC can confirm that Tottenham Hotspur remain huge admirers of the Italy Under 21 international.
Spurs could put forward an offer of their own, though Vanderson of Monaco is another option for the right-back spot.
Emerson Royal may have to leave to make room for Kayode, however. Like with Cash, Emerson has been linked with a move to AC Milan.
AC Milan linked with Matty Cash and Emerson Royal
“If we look at the CV, I would say that he is the right man,” Rossoneri legend Filippo Galli tells Gazzetta dello Sport of Emerson Royal. “He has international experience, which is what Milan needs to raise their level, and he is used to the rhythms of the English league. Another added value.
“He would arrive as an alternative to (Davide) Calabria and rightly so. A great team, if it wants to be one, must have more options.
“At Tottenham, (Emerson) often sacrificed himself in the defensive phase, with decent results. Milan would make an investment in line with those of last season. However, the Brazilian also (needs to be) convinced of the project. A fundamental aspect.
“(New head coach Paulo) Fonseca needs people ready to embrace the cause.”
HITC first reported Villa’s interest back in February. Kayode had also been scouted by Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham, as well as Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou’s side have done a lot of shopping in the Italian market of late, Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie proving to be excellent value for money after joining from Empoli and Udinese last summer.
Spurs have also now been linked with Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson.
Villa, meanwhile, are set to bring in two Serie A players in Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea. The Juventus duo are arriving as part of the deal that takes Douglas Luiz to Turin.
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