Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Target Bournemouth Starlet Eli Junior Kroupi After Breakout Season
Ben McAleer
Arsenal are considering a summer move for Bournemouth’s talented teenage forward Eli Junior Kroupi, according to Football Insider.
Kroupi has excelled following his arrival from Lorient last year, and his performances on the south coast have attracted interest from a number of the Premier League’s heavy hitters.
Liverpool have previously been credited with an interest in the French forward, while Manchester United are also believed to be in the running for the teenager.
Kroupi thriving for the Cherries
And the Gunners are now tipped to make a move for the former Lorient man as they look to bolster their forward line at the end of the season.
The 19-year-old has been one of the division’s surprise packages in the 2025-26 campaign, netting 10 times despite registering just 1313 minutes of league action.
One of those 10 goals came in Bournemouth’s recent 2-1 win at Arsenal, a result that dented the Gunners’ title chances.
Arsenal's fading title chances
Mikel Arteta’s side would have gone 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with victory over the Cherries earlier this month, but defeat on home turf allowed rivals Manchester City to make up ground on the capital outfit.
And City head into their midweek meeting with relegation-threatened Burnley just three points behind Arsenal following Sunday's 2-1 win over Arteta's men. at the Etihad Stadium.
Victory over the Clarets on Wednesday night will see Pep Guardiola’s side leapfrog Arsenal into first spot.
Regardless, Arsenal are still planning for a summer transfer splurge, with Kroupi a possible target for the current league leaders.
Iraola departure may prompt Kroupi exit
Interested parties may feel confident that they can lure Kroupi away from the Vitality Stadium as the Cherries prepare to lose Andoni Iraola at the end of the season.
Bournemouth have already confirmed the Spaniard’s replacement, with Marco Rose taking over the reins over the summer.
“AFC Bournemouth is delighted to confirm the appointment of Marco Rose as the club’s new head coach on a three-year contract, which will begin following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season,” a statement read on the official Bournemouth website on Monday evening.
Bournemouth pushing for Europe
A 13-game unbeaten run, including recent back-to-back wins over Arsenal and Newcastle, leaves Bournemouth in the running to secure a European finish.
And the Cherries can consolidate their spot inside the top-seven with a win over Leeds on Wednesday night.
