Arsenal are reportedly interested in Michael Kayode but the Fiorentina starlet’s former coach is urging the Serie A rising star not to get distracted by those Premier League links.
That, of course, is easier said than done.
Just days after notching his first ever Serie A assist during Fiorentina’s 3-0 hammering of Cagliari last time out, Firenze Viola reported that Arsenal had scouts in the stands to take note of his progress at the Estadio Artemio Franchi.
At just 19, Michael Kayode has been handed a glorious opportunity to nail down a starting spot in Florence, parachuted into the starting XI after a season-ending injurty to fellow right-back Dodo.
Arsenal scout Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode
But Carlo Caramelli, who coached Kayode during his time at lower-league Gozzano between 2018 and 2020, believes it would be a mistake for the teenager to let his mind drift and allow those Arsenal rumours to become a distraction.
“Yes, I heard (about those Arsenal links). I also know that a year ago some German clubs moved (for Kayode),” Caramelli tells Sport Italia.
“These are all important signs of his progress. But, now, Mike must remain focused on Fiorentina and take one step at a time. I really hope that he continues to improve while maintaining his naturalness.”
According to Calciomercato, Fiorentina are already taking steps to keep the Italy U21 international out of Mikel Arteta’s clutches. Talks are underway regarding a new contract, with Kayode’s current deal potentially set to be extended until the summer of 2028.
His rapid rate of progress, meanwhile, comes as little surprise to Caramelli.
A ‘stand out’ talent
“When he arrived at Gozzano, Kayode already stood out for his simplicity and physicality. Getting to Serie A is always very difficult, even more so to stand out,” Caramelli adds.
“Mike is making the most of this moment.”
Once part of Juventus’ academy, Kayode’s ‘amazing’ performances in Fiorentina’s famous purple shirt suggest he could bring a different dimension to Arteta’s squad. While Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have performed admirably out wide, neither can really be classed as a ‘natural’ right-sided full-back.
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