Arsenal have contacted the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane about a potential future move, according to Sport BILD.
The Gunners currently have Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres as their main strikers, but the latter has played just 29 minutes in the Premier League this season.
The Sweden international was linked with a move away over the summer, but nothing materialised after the club’s failure to land Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal also made a late attempt to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, but were unsuccessful.
There is still speculation regarding Gyokeres’ future. Sport BILD now claim the Premier League holders have been in contact with the agency of Leverkusen striker Kofane.
The German publication add that Manchester United have also ‘come knocking’ for the 20-year-old, who turned down offers from Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Everton in August.
Kofane was expected to extend his Leverkusen contract (June 2029) until June 2031, but talks have stalled due to his salary demands. He is eyeing four times his annual wages (£847k) without a release clause.
Leverkusen consider him as a future £85 million star amid the speculation.
Kofane deal may depend on Gyokeres’ future at Arsenal
Gyokeres had a memorable debut season (2025/26) at Arsenal with 21 goals across all competitions. He stepped up during the back end of the campaign, registering 14 goals.
Despite his success, Kai Havertz got the nod to lead the line after his injury comeback in the season run-in. The German made his mark with crucial goals, including one in the Champions League final.
Havertz has started the new season brightly with three goals to his name, but he is currently on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury on Nations League duty last month.
Gyokeres, who has yet to score this term, has been limited to just 29 league minutes. He was recently brilliant for Sweden in the Nations League group stage, scoring in four straight matches.
Hence, he is a prime candidate to lead the line against Leeds United on Saturday if Havertz is unavailable.
The onus is now on Gyokeres to capitalise on Havertz’s unavailability to prove he is worthy of a starting league position. The next few games are undoubtedly crucial for the 28-year-old.
Arsenal may be interested in signing Kofane, but that could largely depend on Gyokeres’ future. If the striker leaves next summer, it could open the door to a deal for the 20-year-old.
Big potential
Kofane made 16 goal contributions in under 2,000 minutes for Leverkusen in his debut season (2025/26), and he has started the current campaign very well with three goals in under 200 minutes.
The Cameroonian showed his huge potential in the round of 16 Champions League ties against Arsenal last term, where he was a menace and troubled William Saliba with his movement and physicality.
Kofane was denied a brilliant goal by a world-class save from David Raya at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal watched the young striker up close during the European meetings last season, and he could emerge as a genuine target if the club decide to part ways with Gyokeres next summer.
The Gunners are unlikely to pay anywhere close to £85m for Kofane, but they could complete a deal for around £50m. Arsenal have built a good working relationship with Leverkusen lately.
They previously sold Granit Xhaka to them and purchased Piero Hincapie after an initial loan.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Stats from Transfermarkt.com