Arsenal target Bournemouth's Kroupi despite £87m clause and Cherries' refusal to sell

Arsenal are targeting Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi in the January transfer window, but the south-coast club have made clear they have no intention of selling the 20-year-old mid-season, according to TEAMtalk sources.

Kroupi enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign in English football, netting 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances — the most any teenager has ever scored in a single top-flight season — as Bournemouth finished sixth, their highest-ever league placing. His 13th goal came against Manchester City and proved decisive in handing Arsenal their first league title in 22 years, earning him an unlikely cult status among Gunners supporters.

The Guardian have reported that Kroupi’s contract contains a release clause of £87 million, though Arsenal would likely seek to negotiate a lower fee were they to formalise their interest. Transfermarkt values the Frenchman at £70 million. Arsenal also face competition from Manchester United for his signature.

The Gunners sold Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in the summer, bringing in only Christos Tzolis as a direct attacking reinforcement. Tzolis has since picked up an injury on international duty with Greece, further thinning Mikel Arteta’s options in the front line. Kai Havertz has led the attack for much of the campaign, with Viktor Gyokeres operating in a backup capacity, while Bukayo Saka has also been sidelined with an injury of his own. Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have both been used to fill the gaps.

Bournemouth’s reluctance to sell is informed by painful recent experience. Last January, the club were unable to prevent Antoine Semenyo from joining Manchester City after a release clause in the winger’s contract was triggered — a departure widely seen as a factor in derailing their push for European football in the second half of the season. The club appear determined not to repeat that situation with Kroupi, who missed the start of this season through a foot injury but remains central to their plans.

Should Arsenal ultimately secure a deal, reports suggest Kroupi could be deployed from the left flank rather than as an out-and-out centre-forward.