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.
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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.
