Arsenal are looking to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window and have been linked with Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Barcelona have reportedly entered the race for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
Mikel Arteta Set for a Busy Summer
The summer transfer window has now opened, allowing Arsenal to officially complete signings from their extensive list of targets. The Gunners concluded the 2025/26 campaign on a mixed note, claiming the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years but subsequently falling to PSG in Europe.
Mikel Arteta emphasised straight after that crushing defeat that the club won't become complacent and will seek to bolster their squad in the transfer market. A central midfielder and a left winger are believed to top sporting director Andrea Berta's wish list this summer.
The World Cup 2026 now being in full swing brings an additional element to the north Londoners' chase for key transfer targets as they battle with changing valuations. They are also eager to move on several players, having struggled with departures in recent campaigns. Daily Star Sport examines two of the most recent transfer developments concerning the English champions.
Ayyoub Bouaddi Provides Transfer Update
Teenage star Ayyoub Bouaddi has confessed he is "really happy" to see his name connected with several major clubs this summer, including Arsenal. The Lille talent is presently playing for Morocco at the World Cup, where his captivating performance against Brazil has heightened interest from numerous clubs, reports the Mirror.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal have been actively chasing a deal for the 18-year-old and have maintained contact with the player's representatives since early 2025. It's suggested that Arsenal have arranged additional discussions for after the World Cup, although PSG are also keen on securing his services.
Lille are understood to have placed a £60m valuation on Bouaddi, who has already racked up 96 appearances for the club. The midfielder has now provided an encouraging update by acknowledging that seeing his name connected with the two Champions League finalists brings him joy, while suggesting any potential transfer will need to wait until after the World Cup.
Eli Junior Kroupi Attracts Barcelona Interest
Arsenal are encountering rivalry in their chase for another prime target. Barcelona have allegedly made an inquiry for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
The Frenchman, 19, bagged 13 Premier League goals this season, including one against Manchester City which delivered the Gunners the title. But while Arteta is monitoring the teenager as he seeks to add a creative element up front, Kroupi is also being courted by the likes of PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and now Barcelona.
Spanish publication SPORT reports that Barcelona have shown interest as they seek a successor for Robert Lewandowski at the Nou Camp. Julian Alvarez remains the Catalans' top target, but they've also reached out to the Cherries regarding Kroupi as a backup option.
It's suggested that the forward is held in high regard at Barcelona, although the Spanish champions are hesitant about his hefty £86m valuation. As such, they may consider offloading some surplus-to-requirements stars in a player-plus-cash exchange deal.
