Newcastle United and Arsenal could battle for Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane this summer.
The striker joined the German club from Albacete Balompié in July 2025 and was mainly a substitute. He managed seven goals and nine assists from 1,983 minutes from 44 matches.
Arsenal and Barcelona have already shown interest, while Newcastle United and others have been in the mix.
On May 18th, Sport Witness relayed news that the Gunners and the La Liga winners are in pole position and have made concrete moves.
Newcastle United want Arsenal target
Bild picks up on that and covers about the Premier League duo and Bayer Leverkusen’s stance on Christian Kofane.
He has been on the Gunners’ radar since impressing against them in the 1-1 Champions League draw in March.
Arsenal are still in contact with his representatives, Eric Depolo and Erkan Alkan. Depolo has already confirmed in April that Mikel Arteta’s side’s interest, relayed now by Bild.
At that time, he said: “Arsenal’s interest is serious. With Kofane, Arsenal would have a top striker for the next 10 years. He’s a €100m player.”
Newcastle United want the Cameroon international and are making a move to sign him in this window.
The Magpies are looking to improve their attack and have an agreement in place with TSG Hoffenheim for Bazoumana Touré. Eddie Howe’s side are also keen on signing the Arsenal target, but that won’t be easy.
Bild have doubts of Kofane favouring the Tyneside club because of their failure to qualify for Europe. Besides this, a concrete offer from the Premier League winners ‘would change things’, meaning give them an edge in the transfer race.
Newcastle United and Arsenal need big money
Christian Kofane has a contract until 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €40m.
Bayer Leverkusen, who paid €5.25m, have no intention of selling him unless there’s a convincing offer. Bild points out the Bundesliga side are looking for a fee close to €100m for the attacker.
Arsenal and Newcastle United have to spend big on Kofane, and it’s unlikely for them to offer anywhere close to the aforementioned figure.