Arsenal 'won't' be signing Italian wonderkid in January with Edu target happy' at his club

Posted Tuesday, November 28, 2023 by Goal.com

Arsenal are chasing an exciting young talent in January but the deal won't be easy to secure.

Arsenal 'won't' be signing Italian wonderkid in January with Edu target happy' at his club
Arsenal want Michael Kayode to sign on the dotted line in January (Image: Getty)

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode in January but there are doubts surrounding the deal. The 19-year-old right-back has caught the eye of many top European clubs with his dazzling displays in Italy.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he isn't planning on going anywhere as he is happy at Fiorentina and only recently extended his contract at Artemio Franchi Stadium. Kayode signed for Fiorentina in 2021 after a stunning debut senior campaign with Serie D club Gozzano.

The teenager continued to impress in Fiorentina's academy and broke into their first team at the start of this season. Kayode has gone on to put on several displays that far exceed his years in Serie A and is turning heads across the footballing globe.

But the defender made his intentions clear by signing a new contract with Fiorentina in October until 2028. “He (Kayode) signed a new deal with Fiorentina just three weeks ago," said Romano in his CaughtOffside Daily Briefing column.

“My understanding is that he’s very happy at Fiorentina and not close to any other club, so any links with Arsenal or others would just be about regular scouting activity by multiple clubs – we expect these clubs to keep an eye on one of the most talented full-backs in Serie A.

“He’s a very good player and one to watch for the future, for sure." Arsenal have plenty of options at right back with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Jurrien Timber all able to play in the position.

Yet Kayode offers a long-term solution. Blessed with all the physical attributes needed to establish himself in the English game with size, strength and speed in abundance, Kayode certainly looks the part.

But isn't just his stature that has got pundits purring. He has a superb reading of the game and a long highlight reel of game-saving clearances and tackles while he also possesses the attacking prowess expected of full-backs in the modern game.