Arsenal and Spurs scouting 25yo but have doubts over triggering £52m clause

Premier League interest in Moise Kean is growing following his standout season at Fiorentina, but neither Arsenal nor Tottenham are yet convinced that he justifies the £52 million release clause in his contract.

Kean aims for twenty as Premier League clubs watch on
Corriere dello Sport – March 9, 2025

Moise Kean is enjoying the best season of his career. With 15 league goals and four more across Europe and the Coppa Italia, the Fiorentina striker is proving himself as one of Serie A’s most potent finishers. However, after a month without finding the net, he faces a tough test against Scudetto contenders Napoli, where he will go head-to-head with another striker in desperate need of goals—Romelu Lukaku.

Chasing records
While Fiorentina’s recent form has raised concerns, Kean’s individual numbers tell a different story. With 19 goals in 31 appearances, averaging a goal every 128 minutes, he has emerged as the focal point of Raffaele Palladino’s attack. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who finished the 2023-24 season without scoring a single goal. Now, he stands just one goal away from the 20-goal milestone, a feat many doubted he could achieve.

For years, Kean has been viewed as an athletic prodigy, a modern striker, physically dominant, sometimes even as a wide forward rather than a natural number nine. But this season, he has shattered those perceptions, proving himself as a true 20-goal center-forward.

A decisive match
The Diego Maradona Stadium presents the perfect stage for Kean to hit that landmark. He has made a habit of stepping up in big games, with Atalanta, Roma, and Juventus all falling victim to his goal-scoring exploits this season. His physicality and presence make him a nightmare for defenders, and with Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buongiorno likely tasked with stopping him, Napoli will have their hands full.

Kean’s rebirth under Palladino
Regardless of how Fiorentina’s season ends, this campaign marks a renaissance for Kean. In seven months, he has become indispensable, both in technical and physical leadership, to a level difficult to match even among Serie A’s biggest stars. His importance to Fiorentina rivals Lautaro Martínez’s role at Inter, and while his raw talent has always been undeniable, it is Palladino’s faith and tactical approach that has unlocked his full potential. The Fiorentina manager wanted Kean, revived him, understood him, and built a system that maximizes his strengths.

A dress rehearsal for the future
With Fiorentina relying heavily on him, Kean has been ever-present, even pushing through injuries. Just ten days after a head injury suffered in Verona, he was back on the pitch in Athens against Panathinaikos. He wasn’t at his best, but his resilience and determination were evident. Against Napoli, Palladino expects a stronger, more dominant performance from his star striker, one who can once again elevate Fiorentina when they need him most.

Premier League clubs keeping watch
Until June, Kean will remain Fiorentina’s spearhead. But beyond that, his future is uncertain. His contract contains a €52 million release clause, a figure that once seemed excessive but now appears tempting to several European clubs—particularly in the Premier League.

Tottenham and Arsenal are among those monitoring him closely, with scouts expected to be in attendance at the Maradona. Unlike other Serie A clubs, the €52 million price tag (approximately £44 million) does not intimidate English sides. If Kean continues his rich vein of form, Fiorentina may find it increasingly difficult to hold onto their star forward. — Corriere dello Sport9 Mar 2025

According to Corriere dello Sport, both North London clubs have been tracking Kean’s performances closely, impressed by the 19 goals in 31 appearances that have marked his most prolific campaign to date.

Under Raffaele Palladino, Kean has found consistency, transforming from a player of raw potential into a reliable attacking force.

However, despite his resurgence, doubts remain over the 25-year-old.

FLORENCE, ITALY - FEBRUARY 6: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 6, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) — Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Kean’s inconsistency earlier in his career during spells with Everton (four goals in 39 games), PSG (17 in 41), and Juventus (22 in 123), combined with concerns over his ability to deliver at the highest level, mean Arsenal and Spurs have not yet been tempted to activate the clause.

For now, both clubs are weighing their options carefully, aware that Fiorentina will not entertain offers below the release figure.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Kean’s performances in the final months of the season will be decisive in determining whether he earns a return to England.