Arsenal have been heavily linked with Fiorentina wonderkid Michael Kayode (Picture: Getty)
Michael Kayode’s agent has revealed that Premier League clubs have shown strong interest in his client, but insists the defender remains fully committed to Fiorentina for the time being.
The 19-year-old right-back started his youth career with Juventus before making a name for himself in Serie D with Gozzano, playing a vital role as the club sealed promotion into Serie C in the 2020/21 season.
A string of excellent performances in Italy’s fourth tier put Serie A’s elite on red alert and the teenager completed a switch to Fiorentina’s academy in 2021, going on to win the Coppa Italia Primavera and the Supercoppa Italiana Primavera.
Last August, Kavode made the step up to Fiorentina’s first-team and the full-back has since gone from strength to strength under the tutelage of Vincenzo Italiano across an eye-catching debut campaign.
Making 24 appearances in all competitions, with Fiorentina sitting seventh in Serie A, Kayode was rewarded with a new contract in October – tying him to the club until 2028.
Reports emanating from Italy claim Arsenal are admirers of Kayode and the youngster’s extension will have come as a blow to the north London outfit. However, it’s believed the Italy Under-21 international remains firmly on the Gunners’ radar.
Speaking to Radio FirenzeViola, Kayode’s representative, Andrea Ritorni, confirmed Premier League interest but reassured Fiorentina supporters that the teen would not be on the move anytime soon.
The young right-back has caught the eye in his debut season in Serie A (Picture: Getty)
‘Fiorentina need not worry,’ Ritorni said.
‘There is a contract that speaks for him: Michael is doing well with this club and in this team.
‘Of course, various Premier teams follow him and have followed him.’
Ritorni stressed that Kayode had not had his head turned and remains focussed on Fiorentina for the foreseeable future.
‘This interest is normal, it’s part of football and life,’ he added.
‘However, Fiorentina have tied him down with a nice contract and many bonuses.
‘Let’s think about doing well now and in the future for the purple shirt.’
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