Italy wonderkid confirms Arsenal interest

Carlo Garganese

• 28 Feb 2024 12:14 GMT
• 3 min read

The agent of Fiorentina wonderkid Michael Kayode has confirmed that Arsenal and other Premier League clubs have been scouting the right back.

Kayode has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Europe this season, nailing down a regular starting role at right back for Fiorentina.

His performances have led to a number of reports that Arsenal want to sign Kayode this summer.

And the 19-year-old’s representative Andrea Ritorni has confirmed that Arsenal and others want him.

What did Kayode agent say?

“Yes [Arsenal want him], but Fiorentina must not be worried. There’s a contract and Michael is happy in this club and in this team,” Ritorni said.

“Obviously, several Premier League clubs have scouted him, but it’s normal and is part of life and football. Fiorentina tied him down with a nice contract and many bonuses, so we want to do well with La Viola.”

Kayode hit the headlines on Monday when he scored his first ever Serie A goal in the 2-1 win for Fiorentina against Lazio.

Arsenal interest in Kayode

Arsenal were reported to have sent scouts to Florence to watch Kayode play in the 3-0 win over Cagliari in October, a game in which he grabbed an assist.

Kayode, 19, is a right back or right wing-back who is comfortable playing anywhere down the right hand side, including as a right winger.

The teenager burst onto the scene during Italy Under-19s European Championship victory last summer.

He scored the winner in the final with a header against Portugal to win the trophy for Italy. He has now been moved up to the Italy Under-21 team.

Kayode recently penned a new contract in Florence until June 2028.

There have been reports recently that Italy national team coach Luciano Spalletti is considering calling up Kayode to the senior side next month.