Arsenal recently sent scouts to watch teenage right back Michael Kayode, who is quickly climbing up the pecking orders with both Fiorentina and Italy.
The 19-year-old Italian broke into Vincenzo Italiano’s first team in Florence this season and has already made six appearances, providing an assist in the recent 3-0 win over Cagliari.
It came at a perfect time, when both Gunners representatives and Italy coach Luciano Spalletti were in the stands, keeping a close eye on the talented teenager.
A product of Juventus’ youth system, Kayode spent seven years attached to the club before leaving for provincial side Gozzano, initially on a two-year loan before making a permanent move in 2020.
After a year with the Serie D outfit, the right back headed to Fiorentina’s Primavera squad, where he spent two seasons.
Kayode shot into the limelight this summer when he scored the decisive goal in Italy’s 1-0 win over Portugal in the Under-19 European Championship final in July. Two months later, he was sat on the bench for the Italy U21 side, showing his quick rise at national level.
The 19-year-old made his debut in Fiorentina’s 4-1 win over Genoa at the start of this season and was briefly benched by new signing Dodo before the Brazilian suffered a knee injury, affording him more space in Vincenzo Italiano’s squad.
Kayode has quickly started to impress in Florence, showing his ability to burst down the right and his tactical flexibility.
Earning just €30,000 net per season, the teenager is contracted to Fiorentina until June 2025, which could be extended by another year. The club are keen to tie him down to a new deal, however, with a pay raise reflective of his potential.