Arsenal could be facing a race against time to secure one of their top transfer targets this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging as rivals for Eli Junior Kroupi. The Gunners look set for a hectic transfer window as they seek to build upon their Premier League title triumph.
Mikel Arteta's side pipped Manchester City to the league crown, yet fell short in the Champions League final against PSG just last weekend, losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Attention at the Emirates Stadium will now turn firmly towards next season's preparations, with strengthening the squad through transfer business high on the agenda.
As reported by football.london, Kroupi has caught Arsenal's eye ahead of the summer window, with the 19-year-old capable of operating as either a centre-forward or second striker. Kroupi arrived at Bournemouth in January last year and netted 13 goals in the Premier League throughout his first full campaign with the Cherries, fuelling speculation over a potential exit this summer.
Despite the Gunners' reported interest, it appears they face stiff competition from PSG, with The Independent revealing the Ligue 1 giants are also showing an interest in the youngster. The report suggests Arsenal face a genuine fight to sign the gifted striker, with PSG firmly in contention, though it remains uncertain who currently holds the upper hand.
It has further been claimed that Arsenal view Kroupi as one of just three or four signings planned for this summer, while anticipating a similar number of departures from the club. There is no firm indication of what transfer fee Bournemouth would require, but with the player contracted until 2030 and the club having secured Europa League football, the Cherries will face no obligation to part with him this summer.
Kroupi is not the sole striker Arsenal have placed on their wishlist, with Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez also strongly linked with a switch to North London. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is another player who has caught Arsenal's eye, with reports suggesting the England international could command a price tag of anywhere between £80million and £100million.
The same report also claims that PSG hold an interest in both Alvarez and Rogers, going as far as to suggest that the European champions are prepared to meet the €125million (£108m) valuation Atletico have placed on the Argentina international.
