Arsenal have clinched the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years — and manager Mikel Arteta is already plotting reinforcements, with Bayer Leverkusen's Cameroonian striker Christian Kofane emerging as a primary summer target.

Arsenal moved four points clear of Manchester City after the Citizens dropped points at Bournemouth, confirming the Gunners as champions. Yet despite that landmark achievement, Arteta shows no sign of complacency in the transfer market.

The race for Kofane

According to a report by Africa Foot, Arsenal and Barcelona are leading the chase for Kofane, a 19-year-old centre-forward who has impressed in the Bundesliga this season. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Brentford, and Bayern Munich have all made initial contact, but the two European heavyweights are understood to be at the front of the queue.

Kofane faced Arsenal twice in the UEFA Champions League this season, lining up for Leverkusen in both the home and away fixtures — offering a powerful physical presence against William Saliba and Gabriel. FourFourTwo reports that Arsenal are keen to add that kind of focal point to an attack that has occasionally struggled to break down deep defensive blocks.

Leverkusen acquired the teenager from Albacete last summer for just €5 million. Transfermarkt now values Kofane at €40 million, meaning the Bundesliga club stand to make a substantial profit should they agree to sell.

Striking options under scrutiny

The centre-forward debate has rumbled throughout Arsenal's title-winning campaign. Viktor Gyokeres contributed 14 goals on the path to glory as he adapted to Premier League football, while Kai Havertz — deployed as a more physical target man — missed significant portions of the season through injury. Havertz did, however, start the decisive away fixture at Manchester City.

Arsenal have scored 118 goals across all competitions this term, yet the club remain eager to sharpen their attacking options heading into next season.

Strong Leverkusen ties smooth the way

The relationship between Arsenal and Leverkusen is reportedly warm. Granit Xhaka moved to North Rhine-Westphalia in 2023, and more recently a loan deal for Piero Hincapie was arranged, complete with an unusual clause granting Leverkusen the authority to confirm a permanent transfer — a decision expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Leverkusen underlined the cordial atmosphere on social media, posting a congratulatory message on X — formerly Twitter — to Arsenal upon their title victory, highlighting the Gunners' renowned set-piece effectiveness, before separately congratulating former Werkself midfielder Havertz on his winners' medal.

Arsenal will officially lift the Premier League trophy this Sunday when they travel to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.