Arsenal’s reported plans to sign Fiorentina right-back Michael Kayode may have just hit a snag as the Serie A club are planning to triple his wages and offer the teenager a bumper new contract. Kayode has become a regular fixture in the Italian team during his debut season, attracting plenty of interest from Europe’s top sides.
His former coach at Serie D side Gozzano, Carlo Caramelli, has already confirmed the Gunners’ interest as they go in search of another option to cover Ben White. In an interview with SportItalia he said: “Yes, I heard it too. In fact, I heard [scout Andrea] Ritorni and I said to him jokingly: ‘But which Arsenal? Mike must stay at Fiorentina’. I also know that a year ago some German clubs moved.
“These are all important proofs of esteem, but now Mike must remain focused on Fiorentina and take one step at a time. I really hope that he continues to improve while maintaining its naturalness.”
The defender has already made 12 caps for Italy at Under-19 level and also been called up to the Under-21s. But with top clubs including Arsenal ready to pounce, Fiorentina are looking to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
According to Corriere Fiorentino, Kayode’s agent Claudio Vigorelli has a meeting set up to agree on a new contract that would triple his salary to nearly £870,000-a-year. He has also been given the promise of more first-team football to aid his development, in a bid to fend off the likes of Arsenal.
Director of football Edu attempted to add more competition at right-back over the summer, as Jurrien Timber was brought in from Ajax for £38.5million. However, the Dutchman tore his anterior cruciate ligament on his Premier League debut and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Before Timber, Spanish youngster Ivan Fresneda was also targeted as the right side of defence was deemed an area that was in need of investment. However, Arsenal moved for a player who had more experience at the top level in Timber – while Fresneda joined Sporting Lisbon.
Now another youngster in Kayode is on their radar as the Gunners have one eye on the future. But with the 19-year-old on the verge of agreeing a new contract at Fiorentina, Arsenal may have to look elsewhere.
At the very least, Edu will be forced to fork out more than he perhaps expected as a result of the new deal in a blow to their transfer plans in the January window.
