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Newcastle rival Arsenal in chase for Bayer Leverkusen sensation Kofane

·By Junior Yekini
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Newcastle rival Arsenal in chase for Bayer Leverkusen sensation Kofane

Bayer Leverkusen/X.com

Newcastle United have been linked with a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, according to Bild.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe.

Bild reports Newcastle United want to sign Kofane despite closing in on a €50million deal for Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Traoré, 20.

It remains unclear whether Kofane himself would be open to a move to Newcastle.

The Premier League club will not play in European competition next season, which could complicate any approach for the Cameroon international.

Bayer Leverkusen are also unlikely to want to part with their striker after just one season, unless a significant offer arrives.

Kofane joined Leverkusen from Spanish second-tier side Albacete Balompié in July 2025 for a fee above his €5million release clause, having scored eight goals during a breakthrough campaign in the Segunda División.

Reports at the end of March suggested he could carry a price tag of between €60million and €70million.

He has scored five goals and provided four assists in the Bundesliga this season, and made his senior debut for Cameroon in December.

Arsenal have also registered concrete interest in Kofane, according to the report.

His agent, Eric Depolo, spoke about the Gunners' interest in early April.

"Arsenal's interest is serious. With Kofane, Arsenal would have a top striker for the next ten years. He's a €100million player," Depolo said.

Bayern Munich are also said to be monitoring the striker's progress as he continues to establish himself in the Bundesliga.