'I have big plans': Mikel Arteta transfer target issues update with Arsenal in 'pole position' for £85m deal | OneFootball

Gunners are expected to be active until the summer transfer window closes

Christian Kofane has said he feels comfortable at Bayer Leverkusen, amid links to Arsenal.

After impressing against the Gunners in the Champions League last season, Kofane's agent, Eric Depolo, sparked speculation over a summer transfer.

Depolo went as far to suggest that Arsenal were in pole position to sign Kofane, due to the presence of Mikel Arteta and William Saliba.

This is was despite claiming Chelsea, Newcastle, Everton, Brentford, Barcelona and Bayern Munich were also interested in the 20-year-old.

"Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine,” Depolo told Daily Arsenal. “The manager [Mikel Arteta] likes him very much.

"I think it is too early to say [which club is leading the race],

"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.

"He is a €100million (£85m) player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next ten years."

Christian Kofane caused problems for Arsenal in the Champions League last season

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With Arteta confirming that the Gunners are still in the market for further reinforcements, loose links to Kofane have re-emerged.

However, while the youngster can see himself playing in the Premier League one day, he is happy to remain patient for the opportunity.

"I can certainly imagine it, yes. It’s one of the best leagues in the world," Kofane told German newspaper Kicker.

"But I want to take it step by step. I’m young and still have big plans with Bayer Leverkusen.

"Bayer Leverkusen a great club that has given me a great opportunity and a lot of confidence.