Confirmed: Arsenal are tracking player who is reluctant to sign new contract

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen star Christian Kofane as part of their long-standing quest to sign a new forward, according to BBC Sport.

The Gunners looked to capitalise on their Premier League title success last season by making a marquee addition to their front line in the summer.

Arsenal pursued ambitious deals for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz but were unable to extract any of them.

Mikel Arteta’s champions also held an interest in landing Morgan Rogers before the England international joined Chelsea from Aston Villa.

BBC Sport understands Arsenal are continuing to assess the transfer market for a new forward, with their search leading them to Leverkusen striker Kofane.

The 20-year-old joined Bundesliga side Leverkusen from Spanish outfit Albacete for a reported €5.25million (£4.3m) in July 2025.

Kofane has registered 10 goals and nine assists in 50 games for Leverkusen but has not featured for them since September due to a hamstring injury.

Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported in October that Kofane is keen to play in the Premier League at some point in his career.

The Cameroon international is believed to be lukewarm on signing a contract extension with Leverkusen amid frustration over his current role.

Kofane - when fit - has found it difficult to usurp Patrik Schick in the Leverkusen starting XI, meaning he is reticent to commit his long-term future to the club.

He is tied to BayArena until June 2029 but Leverkusen want to extend his terms until the summer of 2031, amid interest in his services.

Arsenal are being linked with a number of alternative forwards, with the Daily Mirror claiming they are huge admirers of Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi.

France Under-21 international Kroupi is regarded as one of the best young players in Europe after sparkling for Bournemouth last season.

The 20-year-old scored 13 Premier League goals to help the Cherries finish sixth and qualify for this season’s Europa League.

However, the Mirror claims Arsenal face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain for the €120m-rated (£100m) Kroupi.

And Bournemouth reportedly do not want to sell the marksman, who is easing his way back to full fitness after missing the start of the season.

Kroupi has made four substitute appearances for Bournemouth this term after sustaining a foot injury in pre-season.

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