Arsenal face race against time to sign KEY target

Cameron Smith

• 27 Aug 2024 07:00 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal must act quickly if they want to sign long-term transfer target Michael Kayode.

The Fiorentina defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months, with the Gunners frequently scouting him during the 2023-24 campaign.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side face a race against time to sign him due to emerging competition from Brentford.

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The Bees have entered the race to sign Kayode, as per Sky Sports, and are eyeing a move for the Italy U21 international as they look to bolster Thomas Frank’s options at full-back.

Both Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry are currently unavailable due to injury, with Kristoffer Ajer forced to play at left-back during Brentford’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

The west London club are also on the verge of finalising a deal for Gremio winger Gustavo Nunes. The Brazilian has completed his Brentford medical and his arrival is expected to be confirmed within the next 24 hours.

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Arsenal to miss out on Michael Kayode?

Before they purchased Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Kayode was a key target for Arsenal.

The Italian was seen as a suitable back-up to Benjamin White and the Gunners’ interest was even confirmed by Kayode’s agent, Andrea Ritorni.

“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 admitted in February.

“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.”

Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to watch Kayode in action against Cagliari in October - a game in which he grabbed an assist - while Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Barcelona have also been linked with the Italian in recent months.

Kayode, 20, scored one goal and provided four assists in 37 appearances for Fiorentina last season, while his current deal with the Italian giants runs until 2028.