Arsenal’s pursuit of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has become much more complicated after Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly made approaches for the teenager.
The Gunners have been looking to add more firepower to Mikel Arteta’s attack this summer, but Bournemouth’s stance is now very clear: they do not want to sell unless a ridiculous offer arrives.
Arsenal are interested in the 19-year-old, while PSG have also been monitoring the situation.
However, Bournemouth expect him to remain on the south coast for at least one more season.
Kroupi’s rise has been incredible. After joining Bournemouth from Lorient for around £10m, he scored 13 Premier League goals in his debut campaign.
Arsenal must decide whether potential is worth £100m
According to The i Paper, Bournemouth would demand well in excess of £100m to sell this summer.
That is a massive figure for a player who has only had one Premier League season, no matter how impressive he has been.
There is also competition. Sky Sports recently claimed PSG may not be as active in the race as first suggested, but Chelsea’s interest still makes things awkward.
A smart target but Gunners must be careful
Arsenal should admire Kroupi but stay disciplined. He looks like a future star, and his numbers are genuinely exciting.
But paying over £100m for potential is a huge gamble.
If Bournemouth soften their stance or the player pushes to leave, Arsenal should be ready.
Until then, Arteta may be better off spending big money on a more proven attacker who can help immediately.
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