Aston Villa close in on Arsenal target with world-leading potential

Tom Weber

• Updated: 24 Jun 2024 15:46 BST
• 3 min read

Aston Villa have tabled a €15 million offer for Michael Kayode, according to Italian media.

The Fiorentina right-back enjoyed a veritable breakout season last term and firmly put his name on the map. Kayode was a regular fixture in La Viola's side and also made six appearances in their run to the Conference League final.

The 19-year-old contributed with four assists and a goal in 2023/24 and impressed with his overall play. This is also reflected in data provided by SciSports. According to the analytics firm, Kayode was one of the world's most improved players last term and the teenager leads the way in terms of potential for right-backs under the age of 20.

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Unsurprisingly, the Italy U21 international has been linked with an exit for months. In April, his agent confirmed interest from clubs like Arsenal, though he assured Fiorentina fans that his client was happy in Florence. This, however, ultimately means little and it seems as though his club have known for some time that the right-back would depart this summer.

Towards the end of the season, Kayode lost his place in the side and he did not feature in any of Fiorentina's last six Conference League games, also playing just twice in the team's last five Serie A fixtures.

Villa close in on Kayode

It seems as though this was done in the knowledge that Kayode would not be in Florence next season. According to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, Aston Villa have now tabled an opening offer of €15 million for the 19-year-old.

Villa are keen to reinvest the money they have raised from the Douglas Luiz sale to Juventus and it asserted that sporting director Monchi is a big fan of Kayode.

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Fiorentina are said to be holding out for over €20m, but the two clubs are making good progress in the talks and are close to reaching an agreement for the transfer of Kayode.