Arsenal latest: Julian Alvarez 'reconsidering transfer' as Christian Kofane 'contact made'

Arsenal are reportedly working behind the scenes on transfers for 2027

Focus shifts back to the Premier League for Arsenal this weekend, with Leeds United visiting the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

After three weeks away from club action, the reigning champions have an opportunity to put their defeat at Brighton behind them and build on an otherwise encouraging start to the 2026/27 campaign. That 3-0 loss left the Gunners second in the table and underlined the task facing them as they attempt to retain their title.

With 17 players representing their countries during the international break, Mikel Arteta will now assess his squad as preparations for Leeds gather pace, hoping for positive updates on those working their way back to fitness.

There has been greater cause for optimism off the pitch. Arteta's new contract will keep him at Arsenal until 2030, while talks over a new deal for Declan Rice have also progressed well. Those developments offer encouragement as the club look to build on their title success.

Julian Avarez changes stance

Alvarez has reportedly had a change of heart and is now giving serious consideration to a move to Arsenal. The Gunners spent the summer waiting to see if the Atletico Madrid striker would be open to joining them, having been ready to pay more than £100m for his services.

However, Alvarez was only interested in a switch to Barcelona, even rejecting Arteta directly. After Atletico prevented his transfer to their La Liga rivals and Alvarez faced boos from his own supporters, Arsenal hoped the forward might reconsider.

He ultimately remained in Madrid but is yet to find the net this season. TEAMtalk now reports that the 26-year-old is unhappy with the prospect of a long-term future at Atletico, offering Arsenal renewed optimism.

The report claims a move to Barcelona is becoming increasingly unlikely, with the club exploring a potential deal for Erling Haaland. Alvarez is said to be well aware that signing the Norwegian would rule Barcelona out as a destination for him. Following talks with his representatives in recent weeks, Arsenal have now emerged as his first-choice alternative.

The Gunners are reportedly preparing a fresh attempt to bring Alvarez to north London in January. Discussions are said to have taken place in the summer over a potential swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres or Noni Madueke. With neither player having featured prominently this season, they could again be offered to Atletico as part of a package for Alvarez.

Christian Kofane contact

Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen forward Kofane. According to SportBild, the north Londoners have already made contact with the 20-year-old's agent ahead of a potential January move.

The German publication reports that Arsenal have been monitoring his situation for some time, though they face competition. Manchester United are also understood to be interested in Kofane and have held talks with his representatives.

Negotiations between Kofane and Leverkusen over a new contract have hit a stumbling block. His current deal runs until 2029 and earns him around £850,000-per-year, but the Bundesliga club are open to raising that figure to more than £3million-a-year to tie him down until 2031.

The Cameroonian netted seven goals in his debut season with the German side and caught Arteta’s eye during a Champions League last-16 encounter with Arsenal last term. The youngster's agent, Eric Depolo, confirmed the Gunners' interest in Kofane back in April, stating that they were leading the race to secure his signature.

Depolo highlighted several key factors, including Arteta's personal interest and influence, Kofane's ability to speak Spanish, and Arsenal defender William Saliba's shared Cameroonian roots. He placed a valuation of around £85m on his client.

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