Arsenal’s interest in Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane has built over several months.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported in the spring that the Gunners were keen on the 20-year-old, and said Leverkusen wanted between €60 million and €70 million for him.
Mikel Arteta watched Kofane during last season’s Champions League round of 16 tie between Arsenal and Leverkusen. The Cameroon forward tested David Raya with an early long-range effort in the 1-1 first leg on 11 March.
Arsenal won the second leg 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium to go through 3-1 on aggregate.
Kofane’s agent, Eric Depolo, later said Arsenal’s interest was “genuine”. He added that Arteta likes the player very much.
Now Plettenberg reports that Leverkusen want to extend Kofane’s contract by two years, until 2031. Negotiations are currently stalling.
Kofane is not satisfied with his role as second choice behind Patrik Schick. He is also keen to play in the Premier League at some point in his career.
The delay comes at a sensitive time for Leverkusen. Plettenberg’s report says the club want to commit him to a longer deal before interest from England grows.
🚨🆕 Bayer 04 Leverkusen want to extend Christian Kofane’s contract by two years until 2031. Negotiations are currently stalling.
The 20 y/o talented striker is not satisfied with his current role as second choice behind Patrik Schick.
There is also interest from the Premier League, with Kofane keen to play there at some point in his career.
@SkySportDE 🇨🇲
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 10, 2026
Arsenal are not the only Premier League club in the picture.
Manchester United have also made contact with Kofane’s camp, while Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle were linked with him in the summer.
Kofane remained at Leverkusen after the transfer window closed.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS!
Leverkusen face no immediate pressure to sell. His current contract runs until 2029.
Kofane joined from Albacete in summer 2025 for €5.25 million. Last season he scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 44 matches. This season he has three goals in six games.
He is also injured. Leverkusen confirmed on Thursday that he suffered a thigh injury on international duty with Cameroon and will be out for the coming weeks.