Tusport - News - Romano: Arsenal and Man City ‘calling’ for Bournemouth gem Kroupi

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal FC and Manchester City have both made initial contact over a future move for AFC Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, with Paris Saint-Germain also actively exploring a deal. The 19-year-old Frenchman, who struck 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most coveted young forwards. According to Romano, figures within Arsenal’s hierarchy, including head coach Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta as referenced in reports, are admirers of Kroupi’s profile and finishing quality. Manchester City have likewise been in touch, assessing the market as they plan long term around Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. Romano added that Liverpool could also be a factor should Andoni Iraola, Kroupi’s current coach at Bournemouth, make the switch to Anfield — a scenario that might reshape priorities in the forward market. Bournemouth’s stance is clear: they would love to keep their breakout star. After a season in which Kroupi showcased clinical finishing, smart movement, and maturity beyond his years, the Cherries believe he can continue developing on the south coast. Any talks are in the exploratory stage and oriented toward future windows, with suggestions a full-scale move might be targeted as far ahead as summer 2026. As speculation mounts, industry estimates indicate any eventual fee could approach the £100m bracket, reflecting both his age and upside. PSG’s involvement adds another layer. Romano reports that the French champions have a strong line of communication with Kroupi’s representatives and have taken substantial information on the player. A potential Paris move could indirectly influence Julian Alvarez’s situation; PSG have admired the Argentine for some time, though Alvarez has not opened the door to a transfer. If PSG pivot decisively to Kroupi, it could ease pressure on City’s attack but intensify the bidding among Premier League rivals. From a tactical perspective, Kroupi’s pace, penalty-box instincts, and shot selection would suit Arteta’s positional play, offering a vertical threat to complement Arsenal’s creators. City, meanwhile, value multipurpose forwards capable of interchanging and pressing with precision — traits the France Under-21 international has begun to display. Iraola himself highlighted Kroupi’s finishing as “top,” calling his development one of the season’s biggest challenges. For now, all parties are keeping options open. Bournemouth intend to protect their asset and set the terms; the player remains focused on development; and European heavyweights are positioning themselves early. With Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG already making moves in the background — and a possible Liverpool twist depending on Iraola — the race for Eli Junior Kroupi promises to be one of the most closely watched transfer stories over the coming windows.