Arsenal’s pursuit of Eli Junior Kroupi has reportedly hit a snag with Paris Saint-Germain entering the race and establishing themselves as the current favourites to secure the striker’s signature. The news comes just days after PSG defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final.
Kroupi, 19, enjoyed a breakthrough season with Bournemouth, scoring 13 Premier League goals – a record for any teenager in their debut season. This form has attracted attention from several top European clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, but Footmercato reports that Kroupi ‘dreams’ of playing for PSG.
Bournemouth signed Kroupi from an undisclosed club for a reported €13 million in 2025, tying him to a long-term contract until 2030. Despite the player’s clear potential, Bournemouth are reportedly determined to retain their star asset, recently placing a €100 million price tag on him to ward off potential suitors. However, a significant bidding war is anticipated this summer.
Manchester City have already initiated discussions with Kroupi’s representatives, but PSG’s late entry into the competition has shifted the dynamic. While Kroupi has not publicly expressed a desire to leave Bournemouth, the opportunity to join his preferred club could prove decisive. Bournemouth’s head of footballing operations, Tiago Pinto, recently stated firmly that Kroupi would not be sold, even for a fee of €100 million, citing the player’s long contract and lack of a release clause.
Kroupi’s current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €22.2 million, with a range of €20 million to €24.5 million, according to FootballTransfers data. However, the intense competition and Bournemouth’s firm stance suggest any eventual deal will significantly exceed this valuation. The outcome of this transfer saga could have significant implications for Arsenal’s attacking options heading into next season.
