{"id":617,"date":"2026-04-04T23:10:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T23:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=617"},"modified":"2026-04-04T23:10:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T23:10:21","slug":"arsenal-news-mikel-arteta-handed-transfer-boost-as-agent-confirms-interest-in-87m-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=617","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta handed transfer boost as agent confirms interest in \u00a387m star"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_f5ffc0\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Arsenal have received a major transfer boost with RB Leipzig reportedly ready to lower Castello Lukeba&#8217;s price tag, while Christian Kofane&#8217;s agent confirms genuine interest in the \u00a387m-rated striker<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36964277\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the UEFA Champions League, Last 16, first-leg football match Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Arsenal in Leverkusen, western Germany, on March 11, 2026\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964277.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_FBL-EUR-C1-LEVERKUSEN-ARSENAL.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964277.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_FBL-EUR-C1-LEVERKUSEN-ARSENAL.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964277.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_FBL-EUR-C1-LEVERKUSEN-ARSENAL.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964277.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_FBL-EUR-C1-LEVERKUSEN-ARSENAL.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Mikel Arteta has his eyes on some silverware\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Mikel Arteta has his eyes on some silverware<cite aria-label=\"Image: AFP via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal will undoubtedly be determined to maintain their pursuit of three trophies ahead of English football&#8217;s resumption. The Gunners were last seen in action at Wembley, where they succumbed 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">While their first chance to end a six-year trophy drought wasn&#8217;t seized, Mikel Arteta&#8217;s team have three further opportunities beginning with their FA Cup quarter-final encounter on Saturday away to Southampton.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The depth of Arsenal&#8217;s squad likely won&#8217;t derail their summer ambitions to strengthen, with reports suggesting the north London outfit are targeting a Bundesliga raid for two youngsters. <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><em>Daily Star Sport<\/em><\/strong>  examines the major stories emerging from the Emirates.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_f5ffc0\">Mikel Arteta boost<\/h3>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36964278\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36964278\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.42\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Augsburg's Croatian midfielder #17 Kristijan Jakic (L) and Leipzig's French defender #23 Castello Lukeba vie for the ball during the Bundesliga football match between RB Leipzig and Augsburg in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on March 7, 2026. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN \/ AFP via Getty Images) \/ DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND\/OR QUASI-VIDEO\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964278.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-LEIPZIG-AUGSBURG.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964278.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-LEIPZIG-AUGSBURG.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964278.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-LEIPZIG-AUGSBURG.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964278.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-LEIPZIG-AUGSBURG.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Castello Lukeba is a target for Arsenal\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Castello Lukeba is a target for Arsenal<cite aria-label=\"Image: RONNY HARTMANN, AFP via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: RONNY HARTMANN, AFP via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">JOIN US ON FB!<\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedailystarsport#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">  Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">RB Leipzig are reportedly prepared to slash Castello Lukeba&#8217;s asking price.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Despite the 22 year old possessing a release clause in his deal valued at \u00a370million (\u20ac80m), the Bundesliga outfit are willing to negotiate a transfer beneath the eye-watering sum to facilitate a departure, reports <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/arsenal-mikel-arteta-summer-transfer-36960815\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">the Mirror<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">According to Sky Sports Germany, an offer of \u00a357m (\u20ac65m) would secure the Frenchman&#8217;s exit, with the player reportedly seeking a fresh challenge following three seasons in Germany.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The reduced valuation could ignite competition for Lukeba&#8217;s services amongst Europe&#8217;s elite clubs, with Arteta understood to admire the centre-back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">L&#8217;Equipe has claimed that the Premier League pacesetters have opened discussions regarding a potential switch to north London.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_f5ffc0\">Interest in \u00a387m star<\/h3>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-36964276\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36964276\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.48\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Two soccer players are competing for the ball on a field during a match, with a crowd of spectators watching in the background.\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964276.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964276.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964276.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36964276.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Arsenal-FC-v-Bayer-04-Leverkusen-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second-Leg.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Christian Kofane is also on their radar\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Christian Kofane is also on their radar<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The representative of Christian Kofane has declared Arsenal&#8217;s pursuit of the teenage prodigy is &#8220;genuine&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 19 year old frontman only joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer and has notched seven goals while contributing eight assists during his maiden campaign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Gunners have been tipped for a swoop for the Cameroonian as his agent, Eric Depolo, revealed his client has caught the eye of the Premier League heavyweights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Speaking in an interview with Daily Arsenal, he said: &#8220;Yes, Arsenal&#8217;s interest is genuine. The manager (Arteta) likes him very much.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is to win the league &#8211; from there everything will start moving.&#8221; Nevertheless, Depolo emphasised that any side keen to secure Kofane&#8217;s services will need to stump up an enormous sum.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He added: &#8220;He is a \u20ac100million (\u00a387m) player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years. Right now, he is the best U21 striker in Europe and the most complete one.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;He has speed, technique, defends very well and is strong in the air. It is very difficult to find all these attributes in one striker.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arsenal have received a major transfer boost with RB Leipzig reportedly ready to lower Castello<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":618,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=617"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}