Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, the club said Ekrem Konur.
After coming through the ranks at Lorient, Kroupi made his first-team debut on the final day of the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season. At just 16 years and 345 days old, he broke Matteo Guendouzi’s long-standing record and became the youngest player to play for the club after starting the final seven minutes of the 2–1 win against Strasbourg.
The Frenchman’s playing time increased in the following 2023/24 season, where he set a notable milestone by beating Andre Ayer’s record to become Lorient’s youngest ever goalscorer after finding the net in a 5–3 defeat to Nantes in September 2023. Shortly afterwards, Kroupi scored a brace in the 3–3 draw against Lyon, becoming the youngest player since 1974 to score a brace in Ligue 1.
His performances in France attracted the interest of several clubs before Bournemouth won the race to sign him. So far this season, the 19-year-old has scored seven goals in the Premier League, including a brutal strike in the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal this month.
It appears the Gunners were impressed with his performance in the match as Konur claims Kroupl has caught the attention of Mikel Arteta’s side.
The journalist adds that the club’s scouts have been keeping a close eye on the France U21 international, including a recent match against Tottenham Hotspur where he scored the Cherries’ second goal in their 3-2 win.
Kroupi to Arsenal
While a possible move for the youngster is planned for next summer, the north London club could accelerate efforts to sign him this month if Gabriel Jesus secures a winter move from the Emirates, the report claims.
Arsenal currently have Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus as centre-forwards, while Kai Havertz has also proven reliable when required to lead the attack.
In their recent UEFA Champions League match, the Gunners’ number 9s were on full display against Inter Milan at the San Siro as two goals from Jesus and a third from Gyokeres secured an emphatic 3-1 victory on Tuesday evening.
However, with a year left on Jesus’ contract, there is uncertainty over his future, despite the Brazil international reportedly expressing his desire to extend his stay at the club.
Following other potential options such as Kroupi, valued at £19m by Transfer marketmakes sense when no agreement is reached for Jesus, especially when it comes to his concerns about his injury.
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