Aston Villa have reportedly approached Bayer Leverkusen to sign 20-year-old striker Christian Kofane, after rejecting a fourth offer worth £45 million for 30-year-old Ollie Watkins.
According to Athletic, "Last week, Villa rejected a fourth offer worth £45million for the 30-year-old and do not wish to sell him." And "Villa are stepping up contingency plans, with Kofane among the options to replace Watkins."
The story was reported by Yahoo Sports.
What does the Kofane move mean for Villa's attack?
Christian Kofane joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, a transfer that has drawn long-standing interest from Villa. In his first season he made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists. He was also called up to the Cameroon national team in December 2025 and featured at the Africa Cup of Nations. Villa’s scouting network has tracked his progress closely, and the club sees him as a young, versatile forward who could fill the void left by Watkins.
Kofane’s pace and work rate would complement Villa’s current front line. If the transfer is completed, he would bring a fresh attacking dimension that could help the club move away from its current goal-scoring drought. The club’s manager, Unai Emery, has indicated that Kofane is a priority in the summer window.
How does the Watkins situation affect the squad?
Ollie Watkins, 30, has expressed a desire to join Al Hilal, and his future at Villa has become a key issue. The club has rejected a fourth offer of £45 million, showing that it does not wish to sell him. Watkins has been a regular starter, but his age and recent injury concerns have prompted the board to look for a replacement.
Villa’s contingency plans now include Kofane as a potential successor. The club also keeps an eye on other options, such as AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Nicolas Jackson. Jackson, in particular, is described as a leading target of Emery, and the club has been in talks with the Spanish side.
What are the next steps for Villa in the transfer window?
Villa sit 20th in the Premier League, 0 points from one match, and have yet to score a goal. They are 3 points behind Brighton and will face Arsenal at home on 31 August. The club’s current form is a single loss, and the squad is looking for a spark.
In addition to Kofane, Villa has a bid rejected for Jean-Philippe Mateta by Crystal Palace, showing that the club is actively pursuing multiple attacking options. The manager’s focus remains on securing a forward who can deliver goals and assists in the short term.
The next fixture against Arsenal presents a chance for the squad to regroup. Fans can check the club’s upcoming matches on the fixtures page and review the current squad on the squad page.
With the transfer window still open, Villa’s next moves will determine whether the club can climb out of the relegation zone and start a new chapter in the Premier League.
