The agent of Arsenal target Christian Kofane has confirmed that he's held talks with the Gunners over a mega-money transfer - and says that Mikel Arteta 'very much likes him'. Kofane, 19, has impressed during his first season with German club Bayer Leverkusen, having been signed from Spanish side Albacete for just £4.4million last summer.

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.

Kofane didn'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.

His agent, Eric Depolo, claims that several European giants have also registered their interest, but insists that the Gunners are in 'pole position'. "Yes, Arsenal's interest is genuine," Depolo told Daily Arsenal. "The manager likes him very much."

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When asked which other clubs want to sign Kofane, the agent replied: "Chelsea, Newcastle, Everton, Brentford, Barcelona and Bayern Munich."

But Depolo believes Arsenal could have two aces up their sleeve because of Arteta's heritage and Cameroon-born William Saliba. "I think it is too early to say [which club is leading the race]," he explained.

"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 - from there everything will start moving.

Should Arsenal sign Christian Kofane? Have your say in the comments section.

"He is a €100m (£87.3m) 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.

"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."

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.

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