
Fiorentina teenager Michael Kayode could be the subject of an intense transfer tug-of-war between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
According to Firenza Viola, Unai Emery’s men lodged a £12m offer for the prodigious right-back yesterday, but their opening bid has fallen short of the Italians’ demands.
While they’re open to selling the Italy U21 international, the beaten Europa Conference League finalists seek around £17m to sanction the sale.
Talks between the sides are underway, but Villa may need to step them up to lure Kayode to Birmingham, with Arsenal and Tottenham contemplating bids for the former Juventus academy talent.
Emery’s interest in the Fiorentina youngster comes amidst speculation Matty Cash could leave Villa Park to move to Serie A as AC Milan and Inter Milan keep close tabs on the Poland international.
After Villa’s £30m price tag blew the Rossoneri out of the water, they’ve turned to Tottenham misfit Emerson Royal to strengthen the right flank.
Milan could soon announce the Brazilian’s arrival, having received the player’s go-ahead during ongoing attempts to convince the London club to drop their asking price for the 25-year-old.
Emerson’s potential switch to San Siro would amplify the need for a new right-back to deputise for Pedro Porro, and Spurs have earmarked Kayode as an ideal profile to fill the void.
Since the days of Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici, they’ve developed a genuine interest in the Serie A market, as evidenced by the recent arrivals of Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin.
Kayode could be next, but Tottenham should also be aware of Arsenal’s admiration for the attacking-minded full-back.
Ben White has been Mikel Arteta’s regular first-team choice, and it’s fair to say he has been up to the challenge, especially in 2023/24.
However, a lack of alternatives at right-back could force the Gunners’ hand in the coming months.
