Arsenal and Chelsea sent clear transfer message over signing Everton flop | Football

Fiorentina head coach Raffaele Palladino has poured cold water on rumours linking Moise Kean with a return to the Premier League, insisting the forward is ‘happy’.

Kean flattered to deceive across an underwhelming three-year spell with Everton, but the 25-year-old finally appears to be fulfilling his potential back home in Italy.

Since joining Fiorentina from Juventus last summer, Kean has racked up 15 goals and three assists in 26 league appearances, making the Italy international an instant fan favourite in Florence.

Kean’s impact in Serie A has been such that his performances have attracted the attentions of a number of top teams in England, namely Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

All three clubs are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window and have reportedly placed Kean on their shortlist of targets.

Reports emanating out of Italy last week suggested Newcastle had even opened talks with Kean’s agent over a potential deal. Arsenal and Chelsea’s interest remains just that for the time being.

There has also been some speculation surrounding the future of ex-Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, but Palladino insists both players remain committed to his project at Fiorentina.

‘When a player has to make a decision, he doesn’t look at the money, but at the love of the club and their ambition,’ Palladino replied when asked how Fiorentina plan to keep hold of sought-after stars like Kean and De Gea.

‘Our players have exceptional human and sporting value. David [De Gea] and Moise are happy here.

‘They came from a particular situation and they’ve found love and trust. In the end, it will be their choice.’

Kean’s goalscoring exploits this season earned the forward a place in Luciano Spalletti’s squad for Italy’s Nations League quarter-final with Germany this month.

The former Everton man scored twice in a thrilling second leg in Dortmund, but it was not enough to see Italy progress.

Asked how Kean had managed to rediscover his scoring boots, Palladino responded: ‘I think the credit should be given to the boy for everything he has done and for the path he has built.

‘Then also to the fans and team-mates who have supported him so much.

‘He has ambition and maturity, he can still grow and he is the present and the future of the national team.

‘He must never lose his physical shape and we work on it every day.’

It’s understood Kean’s contract with Fiorentina contains a €52million (£43.5m) clause.

His deal at the Stadio Franchi runs through to the summer of 2029.

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