According to The Mirror, Arsenal have earmarked Bournemouth star Junior Kroupi as a top target to bolster their attack during the next transfer window.
The Gunners were expected to strengthen their attack significantly last summer, but they made just one forward signing in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. The Greek has been a huge hit with four goal contributions so far.
Still, there are lingering concerns for the Premier League holders in the final third. With Bukayo Saka having another injury-plagued season, the club are yearning for another top-class attacking option to provide more goals.
Amidst this, The Mirror cite that the Gunners have their sights on securing the signature of Kroupi at the turn of the year, but they are poised to face stern competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich for him.
The 20-year-old is the number one target for Arsenal as manager Mikel Arteta eyes a top-class forward. Despite the ongoing speculation, the Cherries have no plans to consider Kroupi’s sale at the midway stage of the season.
Big-game potential
The Gunners were linked with a move for the France youth international last summer, but the speculation ended after the 20-year-old suffered a metatarsal fracture in pre-season with Bournemouth.
Kroupi only made his comeback to first-team action in late October, but he has already left an impression. He came off the bench to provide the assist for the Cherries’ second goal against Leeds United over the weekend.
The former Lorient ace is primarily a striker by trade but can operate in the number 10 role. He has also occasionally played as a left winger. Manager Mikel Arteta likes to work with players who can be very versatile with positions.
The Frenchman had a brilliant debut season at Bournemouth last term with 13 Premier League goals. He showed his big-game potential, scoring against Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
The goal against the Cityzens contributed to the Gunners winning the top-flight title after 22 years. Bournemouth valued Kroupi at £80 million earlier this year and they could stand firm on that valuation for the winter period.
The South Coast outfit are braced to part ways with midfielder Alex Scott in January amid interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. They have priced him at £100m, but could be willing to provide some discount on the fee, given his contract expires in June 2028.
Kroupi, meanwhile, has another three-and-a-half years left on his contract, and the Cherries are in a strong negotiating position. Hence, Arsenal may have to pay somewhere close to the reported price tag to persuade Bournemouth into a possible sale.
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