Aston Villa are keen on signing Fiorentina right-back Michael Kayode this summer and have joined the race for his services, according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla.
The Midlands club have already tabled an initial offer of £13 million, including bonuses, but the Serie A club want at least £17m plus bonuses before considering a sale and will not hesitate to part with him for the right fee as they have a ready-made replacement for the 19-year-old within their ranks in Dodo.
Villa’s president of football operations Monchi really likes Kayode and is a fan of his style of play, and he is willing to ensure a deal for him can be sealed.
Manager Unai Emery wants to bolster his squad this summer as he prepares to take his side on a Champions League adventure next season, and Villa are expected to return with an improved bid for the Fiorentina star.
The teenage sensation has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and across Europe, but the offer of Champions League football could be too tempting for Kayode to turn down after his side finished eighth last term and missed out entirely on qualification for continental football.
The Italy youth international only weighed in with a goal and four assists in 37 appearances in 2023-24, but his qualities in what was his debut campaign in the Italian top-flight have impressed Monchi and Villa.
Kayode did not show any weakness in his game, and his ability to retain possession under pressure, pass well, dribble, tackle and block the ball are qualities Emery loves in a full-back.
He could prove to be an upgrade on Matty Cash despite the little experience under his belt, and a concrete move for his services could be on the cards in the coming days following the rejection of their initial offer.
