Arsenal are prepared to break the bank to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s teenage forward Christian Kofane this summer, reports Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg.
Kofane joined the German side from Albacete last summer and while he hasn’t consolidated a regular starting spot for the Bundesliga outfit, the 19-year-old has impressed when called upon.
The Cameroon international, who scored twice for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, has made nine league starts this season.
Kofane shining for Bayer Leverkusen
However, despite a lack of regular minutes, Kofane has still scored five goals and laid on an additional three assists in Germany’s top tier this term.
The teenager played the full 90 minutes in both Champions League meetings with the Gunners and while the frontman failed to fire Bayer to the next round of the competition, Kofane clearly left an impression on the Premier League leaders.
Arsenal aren’t the only side monitoring Kofane, with a number of English sides and La Liga giants Real Madrid also keeping tabs on the Cameroonian according to Plettenberg.
Arsenal 'monitoring' 19-year-old
“Arsenal are monitoring Christian Kofane. The 19 y/o talented striker impressed in the Champions League quarter-finals,” Plettenberg posted on X.
“Several other top English clubs are also interested, and Real Madrid have been keeping an eye on him as well.
“Bayer 04 Leverkusen are demanding €60-70 million for a summer transfer. Top transfer by Rolfes/Falkenberg. Both are in good contact with agent Eric Depolo.”
Arsenal are expected to splash the cash on their attack this summer despite spending big to bolster their frontline last year.
Mikel Arteta’s side signed Viktor Gyokeres from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP last summer, though the Swede has endured a mixed debut campaign at the Emirates.
Alvarez also a target for the Gunners
Julian Alvarez has also been linked with a £100m move to north London later this year, however Arsenal will face stiff competition to sign the Argentine.
Arsenal sit nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League and return to domestic duties this weekend when they face Championship outfit Southampton in the FA Cup.
The capital side are looking to bounce back from their disappointing EFL Cup defeat to City prior to the international break.
Nico O’Reilly bagged a second half double as City claimed a 2-0 win at Wembley last month.
