Arsenal and Manchester United have opened talks over Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, valued at £85 million

Arsenal and Manchester United have made contact with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, according to SportBILD, over a future transfer. The 20-year-old, who has impressed with 3 goals in under 200 minutes this season, rejected Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the last window.

  • Player: Christian Kofane, 20, Cameroon international striker
  • Clubs in contact: Arsenal and Manchester United
  • Current club: Bayer Leverkusen, who value him at £85 million
  • Rejected clubs: Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the last transfer window
  • Wage demand: Four-time increase on £850,000 annual salary
  • Contract talks: Kofane has stalled on extending until June 2031

Deal details

Kofane signed for Leverkusen from Albacete in 2025 and had an impressive debut season with 7 goals and 9 assists in under 2,000 minutes. That form has carried into the current campaign. SportBILD reports that he is attracting high-profile interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Arsenal have already been in contact with Kofane’s agency, while Manchester United have recently ‘come knocking’. The striker rejected offers from Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the last transfer window and has his sights set on joining a much bigger club. Leverkusen consider him a future £85 million player.

Kofane was touted to extend his Leverkusen contract until June 2031 earlier this year, but he has now stalled on negotiations. He is said to be eyeing a four-time increase on his £850,000 annual wages and does not want a release clause included in any new deal.

Why Arsenal and Man Utd are circling Kofane

Christian Kofane has generally played second fiddle to Patrick Schick for the centre-forward position at Leverkusen but has still impressed. Against Arsenal last season in the Champions League round of 16, he was a constant thorn in the Gunners’ backline. Although he did not score, he gave William Saliba plenty to think about with his physicality and movement. He was on the verge of scoring at the Emirates Stadium before goalkeeper David Raya pulled off a sensational save.

That performance could be the prime reason behind Arsenal’s interest. Viktor Gyokeres’ future has been much talked about in recent months, and there is a possibility he could leave the London giants next summer. That could pave the way for the Gunners to make a genuine approach to Leverkusen for Kofane. He would be a good competitor to first-choice striker Kai Havertz.

United could provide stern competition. The Red Devils are yearning for strong competition for Benjamin Sesko for the no.9 role. Joshua Zirkzee has failed to meet expectations, which has led to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo operating as makeshift options when Sesko has been benched or unavailable.

Kofane comes with a similar profile to Sesko. He has a relatively good aerial presence at 189cm and possesses good pace and physicality to get behind defences. He proved against Arsenal last season that he can work as the lone striker. His immense potential means United could consider him as a replacement for Zirkzee.

Talking points

  • Kofane’s rejection of Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa shows a ruthless ambition — but will Arsenal or United offer him the minutes he craves?
  • Arsenal’s interest only makes sense if Viktor Gyokeres leaves. Is the Gunners’ recruitment team planning a year ahead or reacting to noise?
  • United’s no.9 issues are deeper than Zirkzee. Kofane would be a project, not a fix — can they afford to wait for him to develop?
  • Leverkusen’s £85m valuation is a statement. If no club meets it, Kofane may be forced to stay and fight Schick for a starting spot.

What happens next

Kofane’s contract talks with Leverkusen remain stalled, and his wage demands — a four-time increase on £850,000 a year — will be a stumbling block for any suitor. Arsenal and United are both monitoring, but a formal bid is unlikely until the summer unless Gyokeres or Zirkzee leave in January. Leverkusen’s £85m valuation is the first major obstacle.

Frequently asked questions

Has Arsenal signed Christian Kofane?

No. Arsenal have only been in contact with his agency, according to SportBILD. No transfer has been agreed with Bayer Leverkusen.

How much would Christian Kofane cost?

Bayer Leverkusen consider Kofane a future £85 million player, as reported by SportBILD. That is their valuation, not a confirmed asking price.

Which clubs has Christian Kofane rejected?

He rejected offers from Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the last transfer window and wants to join a much bigger club.

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