Alvarez 'reconsidering' Arsenal move as Kofane contact made

Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal's pursuit of a new forward appears far from over, with two separate reports linking the club to strikers ahead of the January transfer window. Julian Alvarez is said to be reconsidering a move to the Emirates Stadium, while contact has reportedly been made over a potential deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Christian Kofane.

Arsenal spent much of the summer waiting on Alvarez, having been prepared to pay more than £100m for the Atletico Madrid striker. That interest ultimately came to nothing, with Alvarez instead focused solely on a move to Barcelona, even turning down Arteta directly. Atletico blocked the move to their La Liga rivals, and Alvarez has since faced boos from his own supporters while failing to find the net so far this season.

Alvarez stance reportedly shifts

According to TeamTalk, the 26-year-old is now unhappy at the prospect of a long-term future in Madrid, which has offered Arsenal renewed optimism. The report claims a Barcelona move is becoming increasingly unlikely as the Catalan club explore a deal for Erling Haaland, something Alvarez is said to be aware would rule him out as a Barcelona target altogether.

Following talks with his representatives in recent weeks, Arsenal have reportedly emerged as his first-choice alternative, with the Gunners said to be preparing a fresh attempt to sign him in January. Discussions are understood to have taken place over the summer regarding a possible swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres or Noni Madueke, with neither player having featured prominently so far this season. Either could reportedly be offered to Atletico again as part of a package for Alvarez.

Kofane interest resurfaces

Arsenal have also reportedly turned their attention to Kofane, with SportBild reporting that contact has already been made with the 20-year-old's agent ahead of a possible January move. The German publication states Arsenal have been monitoring the forward for some time, though Manchester United are also said to be interested and have held talks with his representatives.

Kofane's contract talks with Leverkusen have reportedly hit a stumbling block. His current deal runs until 2029 and is worth around £850,000-per-year, with the Bundesliga club said to be willing to raise that to more than £3million-a-year to extend him to 2031.

The Cameroonian scored seven goals in his debut season in Germany and reportedly caught Arteta's eye during Leverkusen's Champions League last-16 meeting with Arsenal last season. His agent, Eric Depolo, confirmed Arsenal's interest back in April, saying the club was leading the race for his signature and pointing to Arteta's personal involvement, Kofane's ability to speak Spanish, and his shared Cameroonian roots with Arsenal defender William Saliba. Depolo valued his client at around £85m.

Arsenal's attention now turns to Saturday's Premier League clash with Leeds United at the Emirates, as Arteta looks to respond to last month's 3-0 defeat at Brighton. Any further movement on either forward target is expected to become clearer as January approaches.