Kroupi 'dreams' of PSG move as Arsenal, Barcelona and City circle Bournemouth forward

Eli Junior Kroupi reportedly harbours a personal ambition to join Paris Saint-Germain, despite being heavily linked with Arsenal and a host of other European heavyweights ahead of a summer window that opens on 15 June. French outlet Footmercato claims the 19-year-old Bournemouth forward would welcome a move to the European champions, with Bournemouth understood to be seeking around £86 million for his signature.

Kroupi arrived at Bournemouth in January 2024 and spent last season establishing himself in the Premier League, finishing the campaign with 13 league goals. His performances helped the Cherries end the season on an 18-match unbeaten run, securing a sixth-place finish and a Europa League berth — the club’s first foray into European football.

Alongside PSG, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City have all been credited with interest in the teenager. Arsenal’s pursuit is part of a broader summer overhaul following their Champions League final defeat, with head coach Mikel Arteta understood to have identified a left winger, striker, right-back and midfielder as priority positions to strengthen.

Departing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who is set to take charge at Liverpool, offered an insight into Kroupi’s development when speaking in April. “I think Junior has been a big challenge for me this season, one of the biggest challenges, because we noticed straightaway that he has special things,” Iraola said. “His finishing is top for me.”

Iraola added that the work required to earn consistent minutes had accelerated the forward’s growth. “He has become a much better player for me. I know he had a good start and scored goals but I try not to talk to him about goals because this is something which is natural and he will always have it. So I have tried to make him focus on other parts and he has improved a lot.”

Bournemouth finished three points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, who claimed the final Champions League qualification spot. With several of the club’s key players now attracting significant transfer interest, the Cherries face a testing window as they prepare for their first European campaign.