Inter Milan hesitate over Michael Kayode as they assess right-sided options

Inter Milan have decided not to make Michael Kayode a priority as they consider possible replacements for Denzel Dumfries on the right flank.

The Italian defender of Nigerian origin, who was born in 2004 and plays for Brentford, was recently put forward to the Nerazzurri as a potential option. Kayode’s profile initially attracted interest because of his age, physical strength and scope for development, qualities that fit with Inter Milan’s sporting plans.

However, the club’s hierarchy has concerns about the 21-year-old’s contribution in the final third. Those reservations have led Inter Milan to look elsewhere in their search for a player capable of taking on the demanding role currently associated with Dumfries.

According to Tuttosport, Kayode’s proposed transfer would cost about 40m euros. That fee reflects the player’s potential, as well as the value Brentford place on a young defender who can operate on the right side.

Yet Inter Milan believe his attacking numbers do not justify giving him a leading position on their shortlist. During the season just completed, Kayode made 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing two assists.

Those figures have been judged insufficient for a player expected to offer consistent attacking influence from the right. Inter Milan are therefore prioritising a more productive option, particularly one able to make a significant difference in the final 30 metres of the pitch.

The assessment is part of the club’s wider consideration of Dumfries’ succession. The Nerazzurri are looking for a wing-back who can contribute reliably in both directions, but the emphasis is currently on finding someone with a stronger offensive impact.

Kayode’s youth, athletic qualities and room to improve remain recognised by Inter Milan, but those advantages have not outweighed the concerns over his output in attack. As a result, his name is not among the club’s preferred targets for the position.

The player’s proposed price, his physical attributes and the potential for further development all made him an understandable candidate for consideration. His limited return of one goal and two assists across 44 matches, though, has become the decisive factor in the club’s thinking.

For now, Inter Milan are expected to continue examining other profiles as they seek a player more capable of supplying goals and assists from the right-hand side. Kayode has been discussed, but the available information indicates that the Brentford defender is not currently viewed as the answer to the club’s succession plans for Dumfries.