Arsenal 'ramp up' pursuit of £15m-rated Serie A wonderkid amid race for transfer target

Arsenal’s Premier League dreams can continue following their hard fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday. The title-race will go down to the final day but, in a bizarre twist of fate, the Gunners will be hoping their arch rivals Tottenham can stop the rampant Manchester City when Pep Guardiola’s side heads to Tottenham Hotspur this week.

While Mikel Arteta and his squad remain focused on the week’s challenge, the Emirates board continue eyeing up summer transfer options and one name in particular continues to be mentioned. Recent reports on Calciomercato, via Sport Witness, have indicated that the Gunners are still keen on signing Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode, despite the player’s agent recently reaffirming his loyalty to Fiorentina.

Kayode was of believed to be of some interest to the Gunners last year, but the right-back would go on to sign with the Serie A club. The Emirates club, however, have continued to remain interested in the 19-year-old Italian with latest reports suggesting an official offer could soon be put forward.

Kayode’s agent had previously told Fiorentina to ‘not worry’ after Arsenal showed interest in his client. However, in February the N7 side sent scouts to watch Kayode in action and just two months ago, Fiorentina.it reported Mikel Arteta was ‘crazy’ about the defender.

The most recent reports from Corriere dello Sport have stated that the Gunners are considering a deal for the Italian U21 international. It’s also suggested they could be set to face stiff competition from Fiorentina’s Serie A rivals Inter - who have also been following him for some time - but it remains to be seen if the club will be willing to part with such a promising young talent.

Kayode has not featured since April, but since making his first team debut in October has scored one goal and registered four assists, being described as a ‘revelation’ by Corriere. The right-back also decided the final of the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which saw Italy beat Portugal 1-0.