Michael Kayode to Arsenal: The state of play – Fabrizio Romano

Michael Kayode will not be joining Arsenal during the January transfer window as he is very happy at Fiorentina.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has dismissed reports that Arsenal were close to signing the Fiorentina wonderkid.

Indeed, right-back Kayode has recently penned a new contract in Florence until June 2028.

What did Romano say about Kayode?

“He signed a new deal with Fiorentina just three weeks ago,” Romano said.

“My understanding is that he’s very happy at Fiorentina and not close to any other club, so any links with Arsenal or others would just be about regular scouting activity by multiple clubs – we expect these clubs to keep an eye on one of the most talented full-backs in Serie A. He’s a very good player and one to watch for the future, for sure.”

Arsenal have been widely reported as being interested in signing Kayode and have been monitoring the Italian for a number of months.

The Gunners sent scouts to Florence to watch Kayode play in the 3-0 win over Cagliari in October, a game in which he grabbed an assist.

Kayode, 19, is a right back or right wing-back who is comfortable playing anywhere down the right hand side, including as a right winger.

He has become a regular for Fiorentina at right-back this season until a recent injury, playing in the five matches for the club and impressing massively in the 3-1 win over Napoli at the Stadio Maradona in October. Kayode marked Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia well but also impressed as an attacking force with his physicality, pace and directness.

Kayode bursts onto the scene

The teenager burst onto the scene during Italy Under-19s European Championship victory this past summer.

He scored the winner in the final with a header against Portugal to win the trophy for Italy. He has now been moved up to the Italy Under-21 team.

Kayode is considered one of the most promising youngsters in Serie A and one of the very few teenagers in the league to get regular playing time.

Arsenal’s chances of signing him in January are impossible though according to Romano but given their long-standing interest they could return next summer with a bigger offer.