Arsenal are weighing up a move for Fiorentina wonderkid Michael Kayode this summer, according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport.
The Gunners have Ben White as an undisputed starter at right back. Takehiro Tomiyasu has occasionally played there when he has been rested.
Jurrien Timber will compete with the Englishman next term after overcoming a serious injury, but Corriere dello Sport (page 20) claim Arsenal are admirers of Kayode.
The 19-year-old is described as a ‘revelation’ and it is reported that Arsenal have been tracking him for a while and will have officials watch him in action against Monza tonight.
Arsenal unlikely to pursue another right-back
Arsenal’s main concern this season has been at left-back.
Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have taken turns in the role and none of them have been consistent over an extended period.
The former has fared best among the trio, but he has had plenty of injury concerns.
The club could seek a more reliable option. It has been repeatedly mentioned that Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is one of the prime targets to reinforce the left-back position.
By contrast, the Gunners have no issues whatsoever at right-back. White has developed into one of the best in the department.
With Timber set to be available after his long-term lay-off, White has another solid competitor. Timber is similarly a strong ball-playing defender and would be a solid back-up.
Kayode is one of the best young right-backs in the game, but the Gunners are unlikely to pursue a deal.
The speculation could be agent-driven. His representative could be eyeing a new contract for him.
Arsenal are probably being used as a negotiation tool to invite offers from other clubs such as Inter Milan, who are also monitoring him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
