Newcastle United are expected to add to their striker ranks this summer, and as such, the Magpies are being linked with any and every striker potentially on the move at the end of the season.
The closer we get to the end of the season and the start of the transfer window, the more we’re going to see Newcastle linked with players from all corners of the world.
Newcastle are expected to push ahead with a big squad rebuild this summer that could see some big stars leave, and as many as eight new players come through the door.
A centre-forward is thought to be a priority for Newcastle after the misfiring adventures of their strike force this season.
Newcastle have several irons in the fire if reports are to be believed, but the latest rumour comes directly from the agent of the player involved.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane has only had one season in the Bundesliga after joining from La Liga 2 side Albacete in the summer, but he has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, according to his agent, Eric Depolo, who has been speaking to Daily Arsenal. Depolo says that the Gunners are probably in pole position to sign the 19-year-old forward, but was he just saying that knowing he was talking to an Arsenal site?
“Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. The manager (Mikel Arteta) likes him very much. Also interested are Chelsea, Newcastle, Everton, Brentford, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.”
“I think it is too early to say (who is likely to sign Kofane), but due to the fact that the player speaks Spanish, like Mikel Arteta, and that William Saliba is originally from Cameroon, I would say Arsenal are in pole position.”
Depolo goes on to state that Kofane is a €100 million (£87 million) player, which we feel is a tad hyperbolic, or at least premature. After all, Leverkusen only paid £4 million for him less than 12 months ago.
It sounds like there could be plenty of competition for the Cameroonian forward after he’s scored seven goals and registered eight assists in 39 appearances in all competitions in his first season in Germany.
Newcastle were reportedly keen on Kofane last year when Paul Mitchell was at the club, so it could be that his agent is still using that interest to keep Arsenal on their toes.
If a sensible price can be agreed, Newcastle could well be in for Kofane. A young forward with bags of potential who already has Champions League experience sounds like a good candidate for a Toon signing. The issue is going to be beating some of the other clubs Depolo mentioned, especially if we can’t offer European football next season.