Arsenal target Eli Junior Kroupi faces PSG competition in summer transfer race

Arsenal are weighing a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging as direct rivals for the 19-year-old’s signature, according to reports from football.london and The Independent.

Kroupi arrived at Bournemouth in January 2024 and scored 13 Premier League goals across his first full campaign with the Cherries — a return that has attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Capable of playing as either a centre-forward or second striker, he is contracted at Vitality Stadium until 2030, which gives Bournemouth considerable leverage in any negotiations. The club’s qualification for Europa League football next season further reduces any pressure to sell.

Arsenal’s interest comes as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for a significant rebuild following a season that delivered the Premier League title — pipping Manchester City to the crown — but ended in Champions League final heartbreak against PSG, who won 4-3 on penalties. The club are expected to target three or four signings this summer while anticipating a similar number of departures.

Kroupi is not the only striker on Arsenal’s radar. Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez has been strongly linked with a move to north London, though the same reports indicate PSG are prepared to meet Atlético’s €125 million (£108m) asking price for the Argentina international. Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, valued at between £80 million and £100 million, is also said to interest both clubs.

The overlap in targets underlines a broader pattern: having beaten Arsenal in the Champions League final, PSG appear set to compete with the Gunners directly in the transfer market as well. No transfer fee for Kroupi has been reported, and it remains unclear which club currently holds the advantage in the pursuit.