Arsenal have identified Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi as a top target ahead of the winter transfer window, according to The Mirror.
The Gunners were fancied to bolster their attack last summer but managed only one acquisition in Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis.
Tzolis has been a superb signing with four goal contributions and recently delivered a fine performance against Liverpool on his return from injury.
Manager Mikel Arteta is still keen on more recruitment in the final third, and a top-class forward is now the number one priority for the New Year.
The Gunners have their sights on landing Kroupi, but they face stern competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich for his services.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, don’t plan to sell him at the halfway stage of the season.
Arsenal may need to spend big to convince Bournemouth to sell Kroupi
The Gunners were linked with the young Frenchman earlier this year, but the speculation faded after the young striker picked up a metatarsal injury during pre-season.
The 20-year-old only recently made his comeback as a substitute, but he showed his quality on the ball, providing the assist for the second goal against Leeds United.
Kroupi is primarily a central striker but can also operate as a playmaker too. He started last season on the bench but stepped up after Antoine Semenyo’s mid-season exit.
The youngster finished with 13 goals in the top-flight campaign, including a memorable goal against Manchester City in May that handed Arsenal a long-awaited title.
As a result, the Lorient graduate became the teenager with the most goals in a debut Premier League season. The pre-season injury unfortunately hampered his progress.
Kroupi bagged his first league assist for the Cherries last weekend, and Arsenal will no doubt monitor his progress in the coming months before weighing up a winter approach.
It was claimed by The Times in May that Bournemouth view him as a potentially £100 million striker.
His injury absence will have reduced some of that valuation, but the South Coast outfit may not be tempted to part ways with the Frenchman unless a sizeable proposal is made.
They have already opened the door to midfielder Alex Scott’s exit for a premium package (£100m) in January, given his current contract expires in June 2028 with no renewal agreed.
If Scott departs, Bournemouth will be determined to keep Kroupi in their ranks this winter. In our view, Arsenal may have to potentially spend £80m plus to test the Cherries’ resolve.