Arsenal in dreamland as Eli Junior Kroupi makes official transfer statement

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has admitted that he wants to “play for the biggest clubs in the world” amid significant transfer interest from Arsenal.

Kroupi, 20, was widely tipped to leave Bournemouth following an excellent debut campaign in which he scored 13 Premier League goals in 33 games, but a foot injury suffered in July curtailed his chances of a blockbuster move.

Arsenal had identified the Frenchman as one of their top summer targets and following their failure to replace Gabriel Martinelli or sign a new superstar attacker, it’s understood that he remains firmly on their radar ahead of the winter transfer window, which opens on 1 January.

Kroupi made his first appearance of the season during Bournemouth’s shock 3-0 win over Manchester United last weekend and he has now subtly revealed his desire to leave the Cherries at some point in the future.

“I'm going to give my all to play for the biggest clubs in the world, in the best leagues in the world,” Kroupi admitted during an interview with DAZN France (via Football.London).

“When I was little, playing in the Premier League was my dream. As I grew up, that dream became a goal.”

When asked if he would’ve left Bournemouth this summer if he had avoided injury, Kroupi added: “I can't say. I don't know what would have happened.

“At Bournemouth, I'm going to give everything for the fans and to help the team perform.”

Will Arsenal sign Eli Junior Kroupi next year?

FootballTransfers understands that Bournemouth are extremely reluctant to offload Alex Scott, Rayan or Kroupi during the upcoming winter window, with the club eager to retain their most prized assets until at least next summer amid their pursuit of Europa League glory.

However, their resolve could be tested by big-money offers for all three players, and Arsenal’s interest in Kroupi is unlikely to diminish over the coming weeks.

In fact, his return to full fitness is expected to result in increased transfer speculation, with Manchester United recently joining the race for his signature, and Barcelona known admirers too.

Arsenal are believed to be the frontrunners to sign Kroupi next year, but a move appears more likely to take place during the 2027 summer transfer window, with the Gunners potentially set to cash in on Viktor Gyokeres in order to fund a deal for the France U21 international.