Arsenal are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The north London side are believed to be closely monitoring the Cameroonian striker’s situation ahead of the summer, with Bayer open to selling the 19-year-old after just one season.
The Bundesliga side, who only welcomed Kofane from Spanish second-tier club Albacete last summer, are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €60–70m (£52–61m).
Plettenberg claims the Premier League is viewed as Kofane’s most realistic destination at the moment, with Bayern Munich not targeting a move for the 19-year-old despite initial links.
Arsenal Interested in Christian Kofane
Christian Kofane
Plettenberg, writing on X, revealed that Bayer are open to letting Kofane leave this summer, with Arsenal closely monitoring the Cameroonian’s situation.
Kofane has made a positive impression in his debut season in Germany, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.
The 19-year-old, praised as 'one of Europe's most exciting strikers', has been particularly impressive in his last five Bundesliga appearances, registering four goal contributions and helping Bayer remain unbeaten during that run.
Amid his promising club form, Kofane was called up by Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations in December and scored two goals in four appearances in the tournament.
Kofane’s Agent Confirms Arsenal Interest
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Amid Arsenal’s interest in Kofane, the 19-year-old striker’s agent, Eric Depolo, has revealed the Gunners’ admiration for his client is genuine.
Speaking to Daily Arsenal, Depolo also suggested that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is particularly keen on Kofane’s arrival in north London:
“Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. The manager likes him very much.”
“There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is to win the league — from there everything will start moving.”
Depolo also praised Kofane as ‘the best U21 striker in Europe’ and revealed there is significant interest in the Cameroonian ahead of the summer:
“I have never had as many calls in my life as now regarding Kofane. Right now, he is the best U21 striker in Europe and the most complete one.
“He has speed, technique, defends very well and is strong in the air. It is very difficult to find all these attributes in one striker.”
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