Chelsea rival Arsenal in race to sign the perfect Mikel Arteta player

Tom Weber

• 14 Mar 2026 12:00 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Chelsea are ready to rival Arsenal in pursuit of Brentford full-back Michael Kayode, according to Italian media.

The 21-year-old has been starring for the Bees since he joined the club from Fiorentina on an initial loan in January 2025. This season, Kayode has become a viral sensation for his devastating long throw-ins.

Surprisingly, given how much havoc his throws cause, the Italian has yet to register a direct goal contribution in the Premier League this term. Of course, there is much more to his game than just throw-ins.

Kayode has established himself as a solid Premier League right-back, but he was highly rated even before he moved to England. Already during his time in Florence, the young defender was linked with a potential move to Arsenal.

The Gunners' interest never went away. On the contrary, it seems to have only intensified since. Every time a potential transfer of Kayode is mentioned, Arsenal are invariably linked with him.

Chelsea rival Arsenal for Kayode

Considering the North London club's reliance on set-pieces, Kayode seems an ideal fit, particularly if Ben White opts to move on this summer due to his lack of game time.

However, according to La Stampa, Arsenal are far from Kayode's only suitors. The Italian outlet claims that Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham are also keeping close tabs on his development, as are Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Chelsea just handed Reece James a new long-term contract until 2032, while they also have Malo Gusto. Signing a right-back does not appear to be a pressing priority, though given the Blues' transfer model, there is no guarantee that Gusto will have a long-term future at the club.

Man City, meanwhile, are known to be in the market for a new right back. Like Arsenal, the Cityzens greatly admire Newcastle star Tino Livramento, though Kayode could ultimately prove a more affordable alternative.

While his destination remains as yet unclear, it seems to be only a matter of time before Kayode moves on from Brentford. Speaking earlier in the season, two of his representatives concurred that a move to a bigger club was inevitable for the 21-year-old.

Judging by the growing interest in his services, this big move could already materialise this summer. With his senior Italy debut on the horizon as well, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for Kayode.

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