Arsenal remain in regular contact with Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, although the player’s agent is currently holding talks with Everton over a potential switch to Merseyside, according to journalist David Schill.

Kofane enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with the German outfit, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. This form has prompted interest from several clubs, including the Gunners and the Toffees.

The North London outfit have reportedly been in talks with Kofane’s camp for some time now, as Mikel Arteta looks to provide Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz with fresh competition ahead of the 2026/27 season.

However, it now appears that a switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium could be on the cards for the Nigerian forward.

Arsenal Target Christian Kofane Speaking to Everton

Speculation linking Kofane with Arsenal first emerged in March after the Gunners defeated Leverkusen over two legs in the Champions League round of 16. Arteta is said to have admired the 19-year-old’s performance against his team, after the youngster caught the eye by causing imperious centre-back William Saliba issues throughout the tie.

Heading into this window, multiple reports suggested that Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is intent on adding another striker to Arteta’s squad.

Kofane, described as ‘one of Europe’s most exciting strikers’ is understood to be on the Gunners’ shortlist for this position, although it now appears as though the player could be slipping away from them.

David Schill reports that Kofane’s agent, Eric Depolo, arrived at Everton’s training ground earlier this week to discuss a potential move to the north-west.

A positive meeting was held between the two parties, with the Merseysiders now pushing to accelerate a deal for the prodigy number nine.

That said, Everton’s desire to get on with things is said to be born out of fear of competition, with many clubs still circling for Kofane. Arsenal are among those still in the race, although they’ll have to move quickly if they want to hijack their Premier League rivals’ move for the player.

Arsenal Should Move for Junior Kroupi Instead

Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, making a centre-forward signing somewhat necessary. Adding a younger player who can develop alongside the likes of Havertz and Gyokeres makes sense, although Kofane may not be the right man.

While the Nigerian has shown glimpses of promise for Leverkusen, his output in the Bundesliga doesn’t suggest he’s ready to make an impact for a club competing for football’s biggest prizes.

Instead, Arsenal should look to sign Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Emirates, and his pedigree certainly makes him a more appealing option than Kofane.

Kroupi netted 13 goals in the Premier League last season, and only turned 20 in June. He may cost upwards of £80 million, but this is still a deal Berta should explore.

Former USA star Jermaine Jones has chimed in and given his thoughts amid heavy criticism of Christian Pulisic following their World Cup exit.

Many high profile figures, including Carli Lloyd and Landon Donovan, have slammed Pulisic after the USMNT were thrashed 4-1 by Belgium in the last 16. Pulisic played 59 minutes before being subbed off through injury.

Lloyd took aim at Pulisic for his post-match ‘rest’ comments. When it emerged that Pulisic had suffered a leg fracture and a bone bruise in the defeat to Belgium, Lloyd was urged to apologise, which she has refused to do.

Landon Donovan, meanwhile, slammed the 27-year-old’s performances in big matches and criticised him for coming off when his side was losing.

Jermaine Jones Sends Message to Former Players Criticising Christian Pulisic

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jessie Alcheh

Jones, who played 69 times for the United States and captained his country twice, has made his feelings clear regarding the widespread criticism of Pulisic.

The 44-year-old, who featured for the USA at the 2014 World Cup, took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend Pulisic. He wrote:

“I strongly believe Christian Pulisic is the greatest American player of all time. I had the privilege of playing with some of the U.S. players and for me, no one matches him.

“What I find disappointing is seeing former players try to downplay his career or talent.

He added: “What about the other players who had a really bad day? [Sergino] Dest, [Tim] Ream, [Matt] Freese? I watched the game they all had shockers.

“So what? That’s football. Bad days happen. They’ll all learn from it, grow, and come back stronger.”

Tim Howard Reacts to Christian Pulisic’s Post-Match Interview

Kiyoshi Mio via Reuters

Former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard has given his thoughts on Pulisic’s interview after the USA’s defeat to Belgium. He said on his ‘Unfiltered Soccer’ podcast:

“Yeah, rubbed some people the wrong way. I don’t envy Christian Pulisic right now. That’s a difficult place to be. I do, though, believe that the sort of perceived nonchalantness is not that he doesn’t care. I think he’s hurting. I think he’s aware. I think that’s his own defense mechanism.

“All I can is, I think it’s impossible for him to feel the way that he felt – being one of the leaders on that team and being the biggest name and the best player with his ankle hurt and getting crushed going out of a World Cup – I would find it almost impossible for him to give a legitimately nonchalant interview. So, there’s something else going on there.”

He added: “To whom much is given, much is required. He is the face of his team. He is undoubtedly its best player. When that happens, you receive all the money, and all the acclaim. And he’ll receive all the blame. I hope for his sake he isn’t on social media for the foreseeable future.

“He deserves a rest. Go on holiday…. What I would say about him is when someone shows you who they are, you believe them. I think he’s a nice footballer. I still think he’s the best player on the team. Outside of that, you’d have to ask me very direct questions to which I could give you very direct answers.”