BILD say Arsenal are pushing for Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane, with the German club valuing the 19-year-old at around €100 million as interest grows before the summer window.
Arsenal are intensifying their interest in Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, according to BILD, who say Mikel Arteta’s side are currently in the strongest position for the 19-year-old. The report says Arsenal stepped up after Kofane’s displays against them in the Champions League round of 16, and that contact with the player’s camp has become more concrete.
BILD’s central claim is that Kofane’s camp see Arsenal as serious contenders. The paper quotes agent Eric Depolo saying Arsenal’s interest is “serious” and that Arteta is a big admirer of the Cameroon international. Arsenal are not expected to make an offer until after the season, once their current title push is complete.
The fee is reported to be the biggest obstacle. BILD say Kofane’s valuation is effectively €100 million, with Leverkusen not prepared to discuss a deal at figures well below that level. That is higher than some earlier reports in Germany, which had placed the price more in the €60-70 million range, but, both the agent and Leverkusen are now thinking closer to nine figures.
There is no shortage of competition either. Bayern Munich have also made contact, while the wider chase includes Real Madrid and Barcelona. Depolo also named Chelsea, Newcastle United, Everton and Brentford among the clubs who have asked about the player. Even so, the current line from BILD is that Arsenal are viewed as having the best chance at this stage.
His return of seven goals and eight assists is solid rather than spectacular, but Arsenal would not be looking only at the raw numbers. The bigger appeal is that he is producing at senior level at such a young age and appears to match the profile Arsenal want in that position.
That interest also makes sense in the context of Arsenal’s squad. Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have repeatedly tested their depth in attack over the last 18 months. Gyokeres has carried the main burden this season, but the need for a younger, dependable back-up option is still clear.
That is why Kofane makes sense as a target, even at this early stage of his career. He would not just be another attacking name. He is a young centre-forward with top-level exposure, pace, output and clear upside, which fits the profile of a player Arsenal could view as both immediate depth and long-term value.
Whether that is enough to justify a fee anywhere near €100 million is another question, and probably the central one. But if BILD are right, Arsenal’s interest is about more than admiration alone. It is about a position they still have good reason to keep strengthening.