ARSENAL are reportedly interested in Michael Kayode, the Fiorentina defender with Nigerian heritage.
The 19-year-old right-back broke into the Fiorentina senior squad this season and has made five appearances in all competitions, four of them in Serie A.
Kayode starred last night, making a goalline clearance and forcing an own goal with his low cross as Fiorentina defeated Cagliari 3-0 to rise to fifth in the table.
Italian outlet Firenze Viola, via Sport Witness, claimed today that Kayode’s ‘exponential growth’ has attracted clubs from outside Italy, with Arsenal believed to be very keen.
The Gunners reportedly sent a scout to watch the defender last night as he played all 90 minutes.
The report added that Arsenal officials were impressed with what they saw from the Italy youth international at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Kayode’s current contract expires in 2025, with an option for another year, and the report claims he currently earns €30,000 per year.
Fiorentina are believed to be keen on offering him a long-term deal with much higher wages to keep him at the club.
The teenager started his career in the Juventus youth system and spent three years with Fiorentina’s academy before being promoted to their first team this season.
Kayode was born in Borgonamero, Italy to Nigerian parents and has played for the European country at U-18 and U-19 levels.
He was invited for European U-21 Championship qualifying matches against Latvia and Turkey in September but was an unused substitute in both games.
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