Tottenham target £80m Kroupi to hijack Arsenal pursuit as De Zerbi reshapes squad

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi for approximately £80m, according to The Independent, with the 20-year-old French attacker also attracting interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Landing Kroupi would represent the headline move of a summer in which Roberto De Zerbi has already overhauled large sections of his squad.

Defensively, Spurs have moved quickly and decisively. Centre-back Jan Paul Van Hecke arrived from Brighton for £52m, while veteran Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and Bournemouth’s Argentinian centre-back Marcos Senesi, 29, have added experience and depth to a backline that was stretched during two difficult seasons close to the relegation zone.

In midfield, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has joined De Zerbi’s rebuild, and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is reported to be close to making the switch to north London — a signing that would further signal Spurs’ intent to compete across multiple competitions.

Between the posts, Antonin Kinsky has signed fresh terms after a composed run of performances last season and is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper. Veteran Martin Dubravka, 37, who joined from Burnley, will provide cover, while Guglielmo Vicario is reportedly being considered for a departure. Manchester City’s James Trafford, 23 — currently second choice behind Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad — is also said to be on Spurs’ radar as additional competition for Kinsky.

Kroupi is understood to be the frontrunner on a three-man shortlist to strengthen Spurs’ attack beyond Richarlison and Dominic Solanke. At 20, the Bournemouth forward is one of the most coveted young attackers in European football, and the reported £80m valuation reflects that standing. Spurs’ willingness to meet that figure would be consistent with the aggressive approach De Zerbi’s regime has taken since the Italian was appointed.

When De Zerbi arrived following Spurs’ survival last term, he stated: “From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team.” The business conducted so far suggests the club’s hierarchy has backed that vision in full.