{"id":1904,"date":"2026-04-03T07:46:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T07:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1904"},"modified":"2026-04-03T07:46:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T07:46:20","slug":"arsenal-transfer-targets-agent-confirms-talks-mikel-arteta-likes-him-very-much","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=1904","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal transfer target&#8217;s agent confirms talks &#8211; &#8216;Mikel Arteta likes him very much&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_68255d\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">While Arsenal&#8217;s Premier League title charge remains in good health, work is being done behind the scenes in order to strengthen Mikel Arteta&#8217;s squad ahead of the 2026-27 season<\/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=\"36963361\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 1: Christian Kofane of Leverkusen celebrates scoring the 1:0 goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 League Phase MD2 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and PSV Eindhoven at BayArena on October 1, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Mika Volkmann\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963361.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2238699323.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963361.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_GettyImages-2238699323.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963361.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_GettyImages-2238699323.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963361.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2238699323.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Arsenal are in 'pole position' for Christian Kofane\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Arsenal are in &#8216;pole position&#8217; for Christian Kofane<cite aria-label=\"Image: Mika Volkmann\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Mika Volkmann\/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\">The agent of Arsenal target Christian Kofane has confirmed that he&#8217;s held talks with the Gunners over a mega-money transfer &#8211; and says that Mikel Arteta &#8216;very much likes him&#8217;. Kofane, 19, has impressed during his first season with German club Bayer Leverkusen, having been signed from Spanish side Albacete for just \u00a34.4million last summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Despite not being a regular starter, the Cameroonian has scored seven goals and provided five assists. Arsenal fans might remember him from playing 90 minutes in both legs of their Champions League round-of-16 clash with Leverkusen last month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Kofane didn&#8217;t manage to score against the Gunners, in part thanks to a stunning save from David Raya in the second leg, but reports say that Arsenal have taken notice of his talent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">His agent, Eric Depolo, claims that several European giants have also registered their interest, but insists that the Gunners are in &#8216;pole position&#8217;. &#8220;Yes, Arsenal&#8217;s interest is genuine,&#8221; Depolo told <a aria-label=\"\" 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=\"\">Daily Arsenal<\/a>. &#8220;The manager likes him very much.&#8221;<\/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!<\/strong> <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mirrorfootballarsenal#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"\/><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><u>Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_de167e\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Arsenal&#8217;s summer transfer plan faces huge dilemma highlighted by Ethan Nwaneri<\/span><\/span><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_de167e\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\">Arsenal urged to beat Chelsea in summer transfer race for ex-Real Madrid star<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When asked which other clubs want to sign Kofane, the agent replied: &#8220;Chelsea, Newcastle, Everton, Brentford, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But Depolo believes Arsenal could have two aces up their sleeve because of Arteta&#8217;s heritage and Cameroon-born William Saliba. &#8220;I think it is too early to say (which club is leading the race),&#8221; he explained.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;But due to the fact that the player speaks Spanish, like Mikel Arteta, and that William Saliba is originally from Cameroon, I would say Arsenal are in pole position. There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is to win the league &#8211; from there everything will start moving.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Should Arsenal sign<\/strong> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Christian Kofane<\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">? Have your say in the comments section.<\/strong><\/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-36963359\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36963359\" 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=\"London, United Kingdom - March 17: Christian Kofane of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and William Saliba of Arsenal FC battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025\/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Arsenal Stadium on March 17, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Vince Mignott\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963359.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2266593939.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963359.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GettyImages-2266593939.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963359.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GettyImages-2266593939.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36963359.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2266593939.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Christian Kofane's agent sees a connection between his client and William Saliba\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Christian Kofane&#8217;s agent sees a connection between his client and William Saliba<cite aria-label=\"Image: Vince Mignott\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Vince Mignott\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi 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\">&#8220;He is a \u20ac100m (\u00a387.3m) player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years. I have never had as many calls in my life as now regarding Kofane.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Right now, he is the best under-21 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<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal invested heavily in their forward line over the summer, but there could be significant changes coming. The futures of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have all been the subject of speculation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><em><a aria-label=\"Join our new WhatsApp communityLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/Feq1SEG6mXDIZGTTnek7oz\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Mirror Football<\/strong> content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us &#8211; and our partners. If you don&#8217;t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you&#8217;re cu <\/em><em>rious, you can read our <a aria-label=\"Privacy NoticeLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reachplc.com\/site-services\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While Arsenal&#8217;s Premier League title charge remains in good health, work is being done behind the scenes in order to strengthen Mikel Arteta&#8217;s squad ahead of the 2026-27 season Arsenal are in &#8216;pole position&#8217; for Christian Kofane(Image: Mika Volkmann\/Getty Images) The agent of Arsenal target Christian Kofane has confirmed that he&#8217;s held talks with the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1904","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\/1904","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=1904"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1904\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}