Arsenal are currently favoured to secure the signing of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, despite interest from Newcastle United, according to a report. The 19-year-old forward joined Leverkusen from Spanish side Albacete in July 2025 for a fee of €5.25million, after quickly establishing himself with eight goals in 20 appearances for Albacete.
Kofane enjoyed a productive debut season in Germany, registering seven goals and nine assists in 44 games for Leverkusen. While not prolific, his adaptation to a major European league at a young age has drawn attention from top clubs. Arsenal’s interest was initially sparked during their Champions League last-16 tie against Leverkusen in March, where Kofane impressed against defenders Gabriel and William Saliba.
Newcastle United are also pursuing Kofane following their recent acquisition of Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, but the lack of Champions League football at St. James’ Park is reportedly a deterrent for the player. This leaves Arsenal in a strong position to offer Kofane a platform for continued development and European competition.
Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta is maintaining regular contact with Kofane’s representatives. Eric Depolo, one of Kofane’s agents, stated in April that Arsenal’s interest is “serious” and believes the player has the potential to be a “€100m (£86m) player.” While Depolo’s valuation may be ambitious, Leverkusen are reportedly willing to sell for around €70m (£60m).
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is seeking to bolster his attacking options, potentially as a long-term replacement for Gabriel Jesus or to provide competition for Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz. Kofane represents a promising, albeit relatively unproven, option. Arteta is also reportedly interested in Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid are proving difficult to negotiate with, demanding a record-breaking fee for the player. The pursuit of Kofane offers Arsenal a potentially more attainable, though still expensive, solution to their striker needs. His arrival could eventually position him as a successor to Gyokeres in the central striker role.
