Manchester United and Arsenal have an opportunity to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane, after Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United missed out on signing him in the summer window.
The striker’s development caught the attention of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United. Manchester United are the latest Premier League side to have him on their agenda.
Last summer, Bayer Leverkusen signed him from second division Spanish side Albacete Balompié. Their initial plan was to send him on loan, only to change it, after he impressed during pre-season.
The 20-year-old scored seven goals and contributed nine assists from 44 matches in his debut season in Germany. This didn’t go unnoticed in the UK.
Rejects Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United
In July, Sport Witness covered a report from Germany explaining that Newcastle United wanted to sign him. At that time, Christian Kofane’s agent Eric Depolo had confirmed the Gunners’ interest.
Later that month, Everton reportedly submitted a concrete offer. As well as the Toffees, Aston Villa and Newcastle United made firm approaches.
This week’s print edition of SportBild looks at the Premier League trio when covering the latest about Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Cameroon international turned down offers from Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United in August. There’s no mention of the fee tabled by these three clubs tabled and it won’t matter now.
Arsenal and Manchester United in mix
The frontman’s agent has confirmed the English champions’ interest. SportBild now picks up on that and adds Mikel Arteta’s side have been in contact with his camp for a while.
Arsenal aren’t alone as Manchester United have joined them. In fact, Michael Carrick’s side recently made contact, probably with Christian Kofane’s representatives.
The two clubs would be pleased that his renewal negotiations have stalled. His contract is until 2029 and Bayer Leverkusen want to offer him an improved deal. He earns €1m per year and the new contract until 2031 would have improved his salary to €4m annually.
The parties were making progress until Kofane himself stopped the renewal. He still wants an extension, but on different terms. This is mainly because of the battle between agents for his signature.
Agency Afrosport, who are managing him, negotiated the renewal with the German club.
Kofane found out the terms negotiated by his agent and has informally discussed this with other agents. This is to do with the signing on bonus and not related to a higher salary/release clause.
SportBild end their report by stating: ‘What seems clear, however, is that Kofane wants to continue working with his current agency, which has supported him throughout his meteoric rise. It is understood that he recently extended his contract with his advisers. When he signs for Leverkusen is entirely up to him.’
The renewal, however, is unlikely to stop Arsenal, Manchester United or other top clubs from pursuing him.
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Club Period Appearances Minutes played Goals Assists Minutes per goal
Albacete 2025 20 1,247 8 1 156
Bayer Leverkusen 2025–present 50 2,155 10 6 216
Career total 2025–present 70 3,402 18 7 189
Senior first-team competitive matches only. Excludes youth football,
internationals and friendlies. Minutes per goal rounded to the nearest
whole minute. Source: Opta Analyst. Figures checked on 7 October 2026.