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Arsenal prepare opening bid for Viktor Gyokeres replacement
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 22 Mar 2026 08:58 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal are reportedly preparing an opening bid worth €50 million for Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane.
The 19-year-old caught the eye during Leverkusen’s 3-1 aggregate defeat to the Gunners in the Champions League last-16, and Mikel Arteta’s side are ready to launch a full pursuit of his signature ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Current ETV
Christian Kofane
F (C)
Bayer 04
Christian Kofane
F (C)
Bayer 04
ETV Range
€18.1M - €22.1M
Kofane has scored seven goals and provided eight assists in 39 games for Leverkusen so far this season, since his arrival from Spanish second tier side Albacete, and his form is being closely monitored by a number of top clubs.
Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all rumoured to be paying keen attention to Kofane’s progress in the Bundesliga, although Arsenal are determined to win the race for his signature following Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles this campaign.
The Sweden international has scored 11 goals in 29 Premier League matches since joining the club from Sporting CP, and Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in recent months.
Kofane has now been added to their transfer wishlist too and Arsenal are, in fact, already preparing a €50m offer for the Cameroon centre forward, according to Fichajes.
Christian Kofane to Arsenal?
It’s reported that Arsenal have identified Kofane as one of their top targets for this summer, and they believe that he would suit Arteta’s style of play and the physicality of the Premier League.
However, Leverkusen are eager to retain his services if possible and they remain in a strong negotiating position due to the fact his current contract at the BayArena doesn’t expire until 2029.
In addition to Kofane, Arsenal are also interested in signing Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, however the Serie A giants are in talks to tie him down to an extended deal.
The Gunners want to bolster their ranks in defence and midfield too, with Newcastle United duo Valentino Livramento and Sandro Tonali regarded as key targets.
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