Arsenal are facing growing competition in the race for highly-rated Eli Junior Kroupi, with Chelsea also monitoring the teenage forward’s situation ahead of the summer transfer window.
Kroupi has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season after an outstanding debut campaign with Bournemouth under departing manager Andoni Iraola.
The 19-year-old further enhanced his reputation on Tuesday night when his goal against Manchester City helped confirm Arsenal as Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years.
That strike continued a remarkable first season in English football for Kroupi, who has now scored 13 Premier League goals to break the long-standing teenage debut-season record previously held by Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.
Arsenal have been tracking the versatile French attacker for some time as Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta continue plans to strengthen the squad following the club’s title triumph.
Kroupi’s profile is understood to appeal strongly to Arsenal because of his flexibility across the frontline.
The teenager has operated both as a striker and attacking midfielder for Bournemouth this season, while also showing he can comfortably drift towards the left side of attack when required.
Chelsea are now also keeping a close eye on developments despite their public stance about prioritising more established signings this summer under incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
The Stamford Bridge club still view Kroupi as one of the most exciting young forwards available in Europe after his rapid rise over the past 18 months.
Before moving to Bournemouth, Kroupi scored 23 goals in 32 matches for Lorient to help the French side secure promotion back to Ligue 1.
His growing reputation has also been reflected off the pitch after the teenager recently joined the agency of Moussa Sissoko, whose clients include Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki.
Despite mounting interest, Bournemouth are continuing to insist that Kroupi is not for sale this summer.
Club officials reportedly view the France youth international as a central part of their long-term plans after securing European football for next season.
Bournemouth are preparing for a new era following Iraola’s expected departure, with Marco Rose currently lined up as the leading candidate to replace him.
However, Kroupi’s performances this season are already attracting increasing attention from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, and Arsenal’s admiration for the teenager is expected to remain strong heading into the summer window.