Transfers

Arsenal interested in Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode

The 2004-born defender was a product of the Juventus youth academy and played for fourth-tier side Gozzano before joining La Viola in 2021, and he is starting to make a name for himself at senior level.

After amassing six goals and four assists in 71 games for Fiorentina’s Primavera side, Kayode made his senior debut as a starter on the opening day of the 2023-24 Serie A season, playing 81 minutes in a 4-1 thumping of Genoa.

Kayode had previously made the bench for the Italian giants in the 2022-23 season, and he has made another three top-flight appearances for La Viola, registering an assist in a 3-0 win over Cagliari on Monday.

In addition, the teenager earned his first continental start in Fiorentina’s Europa Conference League opener with Genk last month, playing the full 90 in a 2-2 stalemate, and he is expected to nail down a place in the first XI as Dodo recovers from a severe ACL injury.

Standing at 5ft 10in tall, Kayode was a key player for Italy’s Under-19s during their run to European Championship glory this summer, scoring the only goal in the final against Portugal.

The right-back – who has also been deployed as a left and right-winger – has since earned his first call-up to the Azzurri’s Under-21s, and his exploits over the past few months have inevitably attracted attention from some of Europe’s leading clubs.

According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have sent scouts to Italy to monitor Kayode’s progress, and they have had their eye on the defender since his European Championship-winning contributions over the summer.

Kayode is only contracted to Fiorentina until the summer of 2025, although his terms include a 12-month extension option, and the report adds that the Europa Conference League finalists are determined to tie him down to a new long-term deal.

La Viola supposedly want to extend his stay in Serie A until 2027 or 2028, but Arsenal remain attentive to the situation and will be ready to pounce if talks between Kayode and Fiorentina lead to nowhere.

Juventus could also try to bring Kayode back to Turin, as the Bianconeri allegedly regret releasing the defender from their academy, having believed that he would not make it to the top level.

Arsenal strengthened their defensive ranks over the summer with the acquisition of Jurrien Timber from Ajax, but the Dutchman sustained an ACL injury on his Premier League debut and will miss most – if not all of – the rest of the season.

Nevertheless, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares all represent out-and-out right-back options for Mikel Arteta, while Thomas Partey has also filled in on that side when needed.

The Gunners are believed to have begun contract talks with White and are confident of reaching an agreement with the Englishman, but Cedric has made just one substitute appearance in the EFL Cup this season and is expected to leave when his deal runs out in 2024.

Arsenal sit third in the Premier League table and can leapfrog current leaders Manchester City should they overcome the champions on Sunday before the international break.

Transfers

Czech Giants Slavia Praha Sign David Moses Until 2029

Twenty-year-old Nigerian midfielder David Moses has signed a contract with top club Slavia Praha from another Czech club MFK Karviná.

Slavia Praha announced Moses has signed a contract until December 31, 2029.

“David is an extremely interesting player, proven in the Czech league, many clubs were interested in him, not only from the Czech Republic,” said sports director Jiri Bilek.

“We believe that he will fit perfectly into our playing style. This is a great promise for the future.”.

The player himself was equally excited about the new challenge.

“It’s a big step for me, a big challenge. I’m going to the best team in the Czech Republic,” he said.

“I want to make a name for myself, help the club. I haven’t played in Eden (Slavia home ground) yet, but I’ve heard a lot about the fans. I’m looking forward to playing in front of them.”

Moses joined the Karviná academy in March 2022, played his first ever competitive match for the A-team against Slavia in the round of 16 of the domestic cup, and the team won 2-0 on November 18 with goals from Olayinka and Lingro.

Karviná returned to the top flight at the end of the season after a one-year second-league hiatus, four points ahead of second-placed Vyškov.

The 171-centimeter-tall central midfielder made his league debut for MFK on July 22, 2023 in the first round against Zlín. In the 2023/24 season, he played in 25 matches and helped Karviná survive in the top flight after successfully managing the play-off against Vyškov.

He played 13 matches this season and helped his club reach eleventh place in the table.

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Transfers

The Two Midfield Stars Who Are At The Top Of Real Madrid’s Transfer Wishlist – Report

Real Madrid are currently focusing their efforts on two key midfield targets: Florian Wirtz and Franco Mastantuono, claims a report from Daniel Peinado in AS.

The journalist suggests that while other potential options like Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi have been mentioned, Wirtz remains the primary target, with the club also keeping a close eye on Mastantuono.

The situation with Wirtz has become more complex in recent weeks. After months of speculation about a potential move from Bayer Leverkusen, it now seems that the German is set to remain with the Bundesliga club for the foreseeable future.

Wirtz’s signing is difficult
Recent reports suggest that Wirtz will sign a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen, extending his stay at the club until at least the summer of 2028.

Despite this, Real Madrid are not giving up on their pursuit of the talented midfielder. He is still seen as a top priority, and his situation will likely be closely monitored by the club.

At the same time, Bayern Munich and Manchester City also remain interested in securing his services, making the competition fierce for Wirtz.

What about Mastantuono?

On the other hand, Mastantuono, the River Plate star, is one of the most highly sought-after young talents in football.

Real Madrid are not the only club tracking his progress; rivals Barcelona, as well as top European sides like Liverpool and AC Milan, are all keen on the Argentine midfielder.

While Madrid have been keeping a close watch on Mastantuono, they have yet to make a formal move. This cautious approach suggests that the club may be waiting for the right moment to act, allowing them more time to assess the player’s development.

In conclusion, Real Madrid’s midfield targets for the near future remain Wirtz and Mastantuono. Although Wirtz’s move seems less likely in the short term, Madrid continue to keep him on their radar.

As for Mastantuono, he remains one of the hottest young prospects in world football, and it seems only a matter of time before one of Europe’s giants makes their move for him.

Transfers

Liverpool And PSG Lead The Race To Sign Lyon’s Rayan Cherki

According to a report from Foot Mercato, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are both leading in the race to sign Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki (21).

The France youth international was ostracised at the start of the season amid a contract standoff. His contract had been set to expire at the end of the season, however, ultimately, he extended by a further year, allowing his re-integration. He has since gone on to net five goals and register seven assists in 17 matches. Since breaking through as a teenager, this is his first consistent patch of form.

However, the Frenchman may leave the club in January. Whilst OL are reportedly keen to retain Cherki, they may have little choice in the matter. Lyon are being forced to raise funds this January following a provisional relegation to Ligue 2. Selling assets, such as Cherki, will prevent that fate, even if other, more peripheral figures have been touted for departures.

Whilst Cherki is reportedly keen to see out the season with his formative club, the matter will be taken out of his hands should a club meet OL’s €30m price tag. As per Foot Mercato, Liverpool and PSG are most keen to recruit the attacker in January although Get French Football News understands that Les Parisiens will not return for Cherki, having been snubbed by the player in the summer.