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Arsenal targeting swoop to sign Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi

By on May 21, 2026

Eli Junior Kroupi

Arsenal are plotting a swoop to sign Bournemouth’s centre forward Eli Junior Kroupi next summer, according to The Guardian.

David Raya’s catlike reflexes, Gabriel Magalhães’ daredevil blocks, Declan Rice’s tireless energy, Bukayo Saka’s wing wizardry, and, of course, Mikel Arteta’s astute tactical nous will always be remembered as key factors behind Arsenal’s 14th league title.

However, nothing sparked louder celebrations and greater excitement among Arsenal fans and players alike than Kroupi’s exquisite curler in Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old not only brought joy to the Gunners but also to his team, Bournemouth, as it handed the Cherries their first-ever European qualification in their 127-year history.

With 13 league goals to his name, Junior Kroupi has now become the highest-scoring teenager in a debut Premier League season for Bournemouth, surpassing the previous tally of 12 set by Robbie Fowler during the 1993–94 campaign and Robbie Keane in 1999–00.

After finding the net against Arsenal, City and Manchester United, Kroupi also became the first teenager in Premier League history to score against each of the teams that finished inside the top three during a single campaign.

Kroupi to Arsenal

The youngster is also a subject of an international tussle between the Portugal and France national teams due to his form, and it appears the battle for the forward is set to extend to club level in the summer, as the Guardian claims that several clubs across Europe are eyeing a move for Kroupi.

One of the clubs looking to sign Kroupi is Arsenal, according to the report, which claims that the north London giants have identified the 19-year-old as a target for the summer.

Arsenal have identified the France U21 international as an option who can operate on the left while also providing cover in the centre-forward position alongside Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres, the Guardian adds.

The Frenchman is contracted at the Vitality Stadium until 2030, and a deal won’t come at a cheap fee, with the report adding that Bournemouth have placed a valuation of around £80m for the prolific forward, with the Gunners now showing interest.

There’s an expectation that Gabriel Jesus could depart the Emirates at the end of the season after an underwhelming season hampered by injuries.

Should he depart, Kroupi could hand Arteta a more reliable, versatile and equally goal-threatening forward option as he looks to sustain his side’s dominance beyond the current season.