Everton submit Christian Kofane offer amid Arsenal race

Everton have reportedly submitted a concrete offer for Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane as they attempt to move ahead of Arsenal and several other European clubs in the race for his signature.

According to Africa Foot, the Toffees have made an official approach to Bayer Leverkusen and are now waiting for the Bundesliga club's response. No figure has been disclosed for Everton's proposal, but the move represents a significant step in a transfer battle that has already attracted some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with Kofane, while Newcastle United, Barcelona and other leading sides have also been credited with interest. Everton, however, have now reportedly become the first club in the current race to put a concrete offer on the table.

Everton's interest in Kofane is not new. The Merseyside club reportedly tracked the Cameroon international before his move from Albacete to Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025 and have continued to monitor his development in Germany.

That long-term interest has now led to a formal move. The size of Everton's bid remains unclear, as does Bayer Leverkusen's willingness to negotiate, but the German club are in a strong position because Kofane is under contract until June 2029.

The 19-year-old joined Leverkusen for around €5 million and has seen his market value rise sharply following his first season in the Bundesliga. He scored five goals and provided four assists in 29 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign, despite starting only 12 matches.

Those numbers help explain why Everton face intense competition. Kofane's combination of age, physical qualities and room for development has made him one of the most closely watched young forwards on the European market.

Kofane would represent a major investment in Everton's long-term attack rather than a short-term solution.

Based on his first Bundesliga season, the Cameroon forward has already shown he can contribute without being a guaranteed starter. His five goals and four assists came in 1,235 league minutes, giving Everton a reason to believe there is considerably more development to come with regular football.

Having followed Everton's recent recruitment closely, the move also fits a broader attempt to add younger players with significant resale value. Kofane would arrive with elite-level potential, although the cost of the deal could become a major obstacle if Leverkusen insist on a fee close to the highest figures reported.

However, it remains too early to suggest Everton are close to completing the transfer. A bid has reportedly been made, but there is no indication yet that Leverkusen have accepted the proposal or entered advanced negotiations.

Bayer Leverkusen's response to Everton's offer is now the key development. If the Bundesliga club reject the proposal but indicate a willingness to negotiate, Everton will have to decide whether to improve their bid.

Arsenal, Newcastle and other interested clubs will also be watching closely. Everton may currently have the advantage of making a concrete move, but the race for Kofane is likely to depend on Leverkusen's asking price and whether rival clubs respond with offers of their own.

Can Everton turn their early move into a major transfer coup, or will Arsenal and the other contenders enter the bidding?