3 Jun 2026 07:13 BST |
4 min read
Arsenal could be handed a devastating blow in the race to sign Eli Junior Kroupi this summer after seeing a rival handed a ‘major advantage’ for the Bournemouth striker.
Kroupi is believed to be a top target for the Gunners this summer after scoring 13 goals last season for the Cherries – the most goals by any teenager in their debut season in Premier League history.
With Arsenal desperate to add more attacking quality to their title-winning side, Kroupi has emerged as a key option, particularly after learning that another target in Julian Alvarez is holding out for a move to Barcelona.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side may see a similar situation emerge with Kroupi after a report from French outlet Footmercato which claims that the 19-year-old ‘dreams’ of playing for PSG.
Having defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final last weekend, PSG could emerge victorious over their rivals once again, with the Ligue 1 giants ready to rival the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Kroupi’s signature.
Bournemouth have no desire to sell Kroupi and are said to have put a price tag of €100 million on their star man to deter suitors, although a fierce battle is expected to emerge over the summer transfer window.
PSG enter Kroupi race and take lead over Premier League rivals
Kroupi joined Bournemouth for €13m in 2025, penning a contract until 2030 in the process, although the Premier League side are understood to be ready to offer the Frenchman significantly improved terms to try and keep him at the club.
Manchester City have already reportedly opened talks with Kroupi’s representatives over a move but PSG’s interest could complicate matters, with the Parisians having only just entered the race to sign him.
Kroupi has so far not agitated for a move but, with his dream club PSG now circling, a bidding war could surface for a youngster deemed as one of the brightest wonderkids in Europe.
Last month, Bournemouth’s head of footballing operations, Tiago Pinto, ruled out a departure for Kroupi, saying: “Junior Kroupi will not be leaving the club. His contract is for more than four years, there is no release clause in the contract, and he will not be going anywhere.
“We will not sell Kroupi even if we receive offers of €100m.”
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