Arsenal are closely ‘monitoring’ Bayer Leverkusen centre-forward Christian Kofane ahead of a possible move to the Emirates Stadium next summer, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The North Londoners currently lead the table on 70 points from 31 matches, nine more than second-placed Manchester City, who still have a game in hand.
Although his team’s defensive display may have taken much of the media’s attention, Mikel Arteta’s attack has also been excellent, having scored 61 goals, the most of any team after 30 Premier League games this season.
While Viktor Gyökeres has been in fine form, especially in the second half of the season, netting 11 goals in the league, Gabriel Jesus has netted just two, and his incessant injury concerns suggest the Gunners could make do with a more reliable centre-forward option, with Kofane now being eyed.
Since joining Leverkusen last season, the 19-year-old has been in fine form, taking over the centre forward position ahead of Patrick Schick.
He has netted seven goals and provided eight assists in all competitions and featured in both legs of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Arsenal, where he gave William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães a torrid time.
It appears Kofane’s performances piqued the interest of Arsenal, as Florian Plettenberg claims that the Premier League leaders are closely monitoring the Cameroonian forward after he impressed against the Gunners in the Champions League.
‘Top striker’
With three years left on his contract at the BayArena, signing him will not come at a low price, and it’s no surprise that the German transfer expert adds that Leverkusen are demanding a fee between £52 and £61m to sanction his departure amid interest from the Gunners.
In a recent development, Kofane’s agent Eric Depolo has confirmed Plettenberg‘s report of the Gunners’ interest and also confirmed that discussions about the 6ft 2in centre-forward are already underway.
Speaking via Arsenal’s dedicated account, DTalkingArsenal, Depolo said, ‘Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine.’ Mikel Arteta likes him very much (…) There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is on winning the league. After that, everything will start to move.
‘He is a €100 million player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years.’
Arsenal currently has Gyökeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as centre-forward options. However, Jesus’ contract is set to expire at the end of next season. With no indications of a contract renewal on the horizon, Kofane would be a good option to replace him as Arteta’s second striker.