Arsenal in ‘pole position’ to sign Bundesliga striker, claims agent

Arsenal hold a "genuine" interest in Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane and talks have taken place between both clubs regarding the 20-year-old, according to the player's representative.

The Cameroon international featured 44 times for the Bundesliga outfit throughout last season, which included appearances in both legs of their Champions League last-16 fixture against Mikel Arteta’s team.

He ended the campaign with seven goals during his first year in top-flight football, having made the switch from Spanish Segunda Division outfit Albacete a year ago.

"Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine," agent Eric Depolo told the Daily Arsenal website. "The manager likes him very much.

"I think it is too early to say (Kofane’s next destination), but due to the fact that the player speaks Spanish, like Mikel Arteta, and that William Saliba is originally from Cameroon, I would say Arsenal are in pole position.

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Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad (Getty)

"There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is to win the league. From there everything will start moving."

Arteta stated this week that Arsenal are eager to make further additions this summer, having already recruited Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis alongside Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Asked if supporters should anticipate more acquisitions in the coming months, Arteta replied: "That’s what we’re trying to do.

"If we have the right player in the market to make us much better, we are very looking forward to that."

Kofane, who scored twice for Cameroon during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last term, previously revealed to German publication Kicker that he would welcome a Premier League transfer.

"I can certainly imagine it, yes. It’s one of the best leagues in the world," he said. "But I want to take it step by step. I’m young and still have big plans with Bayer Leverkusen.

"Bayer Leverkusen a great club that has given me a great opportunity and a lot of confidence. I feel very comfortable here."

After spending more than £100million so far this window, Arsenal could be forced into selling players before making further additions.

Academy graduate and England international Myles Lewis-Skelly has reportedly been offered to Chelsea and Manchester United having struggled for regular team inclusion last season.