Kofane's Leverkusen talks stall as five Premier League clubs circle

📰 Contract talks between Bayer Leverkusen and striker Christian Kofane have stalled, with Arsenal, Manchester United and other Premier League clubs reportedly watching. 📌 Key points ✍️ Leverkusen want to extend Kofane's deal to 2031. ⏸️ A signing was expected in mid-September but has not happened. 💶 According to Sport Bild, the sticking point is the signing bonus, not wages. 🏴 Arsenal, Newcastle, Villa, Everton and Man United are reportedly interested. 🏠 Kofane himself is said to want to stay at Leverkusen. 📝 What happened ✍️ According to Sport Bild, Leverkusen planned to extend Kofane's contract, which runs to 2029, by two years to 2031 with a significant pay rise. The deal was expected to be signed in mid-September but remains unsigned. 💶 Sport Bild says the issue is neither his salary nor a release clause but the signing bonus. Kofane's camp reportedly shared the terms with other intermediaries, who suggested better terms might be possible, and talks have stalled. 🏴 Premier League interest continues. Arsenal have reportedly been in contact since the spring, while Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton moved in the summer. According to The Peoples Person, Manchester United have also recently made contact. 🏠 However, reports say Kofane is not pushing for an exit and wants to stay at Leverkusen on improved terms. He is also staying with his agency, Afrosport. 📊 By the numbers • Age: 20 (Cameroon international) • Current contract: until 2029 • Proposed new deal: until 2031 (two-year extension) • This season: three goals in six games (per The Peoples Person) 🔭 Why it matters Signed from Albacete in 2025, Kofane is seen as the future of Leverkusen's attack. The longer talks drag on, the harder Premier League clubs may push, so much depends on how far Leverkusen move on the bonus. No formal bid or agreement has been confirmed. Leverkusen resume their league campaign away at Mainz on 10 October.