{"id":1864,"date":"2026-04-03T04:57:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T04:57:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1864"},"modified":"2026-04-03T04:57:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T04:57:46","slug":"arsenal-latest-agent-reveals-interest-in-87m-star-as-mikel-arteta-handed-transfer-boost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1864","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal latest: Agent reveals interest in \u00a387m star as Mikel Arteta handed transfer boost"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_e792fe\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Mikel Arteta is reportedly preparing to strengthen his Arsenal team ahead of the summer transfer window<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33645489\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33645489.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_GettyImages-2267178692.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33645489.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/1_GettyImages-2267178692.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33645489.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/1_GettyImages-2267178692.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33645489.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_GettyImages-2267178692.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Mikel Arteta could look to further improve his squad this summer\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Mikel Arteta could look to further improve his squad this summer<cite aria-label=\"Image: Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal will undoubtedly be determined to maintain their pursuit of three trophies following the resumption of English football. Arteta&#8217;s side were last seen in action at Wembley before the international break, where they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Although the first chance to end their six-year wait for silverware slipped through their fingers, Arsenal still have three further opportunities, beginning with their FA Cup quarter-final away at Southampton on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The remarkable depth within Arsenal&#8217;s squad <a aria-label=\"looks unlikely to curtail their summer ambitionsLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/arsenal-mikel-arteta-summer-transfer-36960815\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">looks unlikely to curtail their summer ambitions<\/a>with reports suggesting the north London club are eyeing a pair of young talents from the Bundesliga. We examine the most prominent stories emerging from the Emirates Stadium.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AFCFootball.London#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_18bd99\">Transfer boost<\/h3>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-33705191\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33705191\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.44\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig during a Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim.\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33705191.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/3_GettyImages-2267222373.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33705191.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/3_GettyImages-2267222373.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33705191.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/3_GettyImages-2267222373.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33705191.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/3_GettyImages-2267222373.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Castello Lukeba is reportedly looking for a move away\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Castello Lukeba is reportedly looking for a move away<cite aria-label=\"Image: Ulrik Pedersen\/NurPhoto via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Ulrik Pedersen\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">RB Leipzig are reportedly willing to reduce their asking price for Castello Lukeba. Despite the 22-year-old possessing a release clause of \u00a370million (\u20ac80m), the Bundesliga club are open to negotiating a fee below that substantial figure in order to push through a transfer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">According to Sky Sports Germany, an offer of \u00a357m (\u20ac65m) would be sufficient to secure the Frenchman&#8217;s departure, with the defender reportedly keen on a fresh challenge after three years in Germany.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The reduced valuation could trigger a scramble for Lukeba&#8217;s signature amongst Europe&#8217;s top clubs, with Arteta said to be a keen admirer of the centre-back. <a aria-label=\"L'Equipe Link opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lequipe.fr\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">The Team <\/a>has reported that the Premier League leaders have already entered into discussions over a potential move to north London.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_18bd99\">Kofane agent speaks out<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Christian Kofane&#8217;s representative has suggested Arsenal&#8217;s pursuit of the teenage prodigy is &#8220;genuine&#8221;. The 19-year-old forward only joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer and has netted seven goals while providing eight assists in his maiden campaign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Gunners have been touted with a swoop for the Cameroonian, with his agent, Eric Depolo, revealing his client has caught the eye of the Premier League heavyweights. Speaking in an interview with <a aria-label=\"Daily ArsenalLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/daily-arsenal.com\/exclusive-arsenal-in-talks-to-sign-christian-kofane-agent-reveals-all-in-interview\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Daily Arsenal<\/a>he claimed: &#8220;Yes, Arsenal&#8217;s interest is genuine. The manager (Arteta) likes him very much.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-33707080\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33707080\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"William Saliba of Arsenal is challenged by Christian Kofane of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707080.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707080.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707080.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707080.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Christian Kofane has contributed 15 goals and assists for Bayer Leverkusen this season\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Christian Kofane has contributed 15 goals and assists for Bayer Leverkusen this season<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is to win the league &#8211; from there everything will start moving.&#8221; Depolo stressed, however, that any prospective suitors will need to meet a substantial asking price.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He added: &#8220;He is a \u20ac100million (\u00a387m) player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years. Right now, he is the best U21 striker in Europe and the most complete one. He has speed, technique, defends very well and is strong in the air. It is very difficult to find all these attributes in one striker.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Get \u00a3250 to switch to Virgin Media&#8217;s sport packages<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. 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Arteta&#8217;s side were last seen in action [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1864"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}