Chelsea now exploring late move for “one of Europe’s most exciting strikers”

Chelsea are planning a late move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, but there could be competition from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Villa are looking to sign a new centre-forward, as Ollie Watkins has signed for Al-Hilal, but they have already brought in Nicolas Jackson, with the Senegalese striker completing a £65m move last week.

REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Having lost Jackson, the Blues could perhaps do with signing another striker, as 35-year-old Danny Welbeck is the only experienced back-up for Joao Pedro, who has picked up two goals and two assists in his opening two Premier League matches.

Guiu is set to join RB Leipzig on a permanent basis, exacerbating the need for Xabi Alonso‘s side to sign a striker, and Kofane has proven he could be a solid replacement.

At just 20-years-old, the Leverkusen star is already a regular starter for the German side, picking up nine goals and nine assists in 46 matches, and he was most recently on the scoresheet on the opening day of the Bundesliga season, in a 3-2 defeat against SV Elversberg.

Not only that, but the youngster has already collected six senior caps for Cameroon, receiving plaudits from scout Jacek Kulig for his performance in a 2-1 victory against Mozambique at the end of 2025.

Having impressed for club and country, the Cameroonian forward could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, and the race for his signature is starting to heat up.

Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa battling to sign Christian Kofane

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea are now exploring a late move for Kofane, but there could be competition for his signature, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United also keen.

A deal could be very expensive though, with Bayer Leverkusen setting an asking price of £86m earlier this summer, amid interest from Arsenal, who have since been in hot pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

As such, the Blues could now have a clearer run at Kofane, and a move to Stamford Bridge may be very enticing, given the start Alonso’s side have made to the Premier League season.

It is two wins out of two under the Spaniard, who has been able to implement an exciting style of football very quickly, with his side running out 3-2 winners at Fulham in their first match, before defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 on Sunday.