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Kroupi speaks out on his future amid Arsenal interest

Junior Kroupi has cast further doubt on the prospect of a summer transfer by suggesting that he’s happy to remain at Bournemouth for now.

Eli Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Leeds United at Vitality Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Junior Kroupi’s transfer situation has been a major talking point this summer, but not all reports are convinced the player is really for sale in the upcoming window.

Kroupi himself has bolstered those reports by suggesting he’s happy where he is, and he’s looking forward to a season in Europe with his current club.

“For now, I’m happy at Bournemouth,” Kroupi said. “We’re playing in Europe next season, we’re going to prepare for that. It’s going to be great.”

MAY 19: Eli Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth performs a back flip as he celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England.
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

Mark Douglas of The i Paper reported in May that Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United were all interested in the young Bournemouth forward, but added that the player is not for sale at any price this summer.

Bournemouth are reportedly bullish about their chances of retaining their key players this summer, with no release clause in Kroupi’s deal.

Douglas claimed that the earliest that a transfer would be considered is 2027, and the club would then want £100m or more. There is reported bemusement at claims the player is valued at £60m, and Kroupi is understood to be happy and settled where he is.

Eli Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth warms up prior to the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Leeds United at Vitality Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

All the same, Sami Mokbel of the BBC and Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that Arsenal do hold an interest in Kroupi, and that they’ve called to make enquiries over his situation.

Kroupi has already earned himself somewhat of a cult-hero status at Arsenal, having scored the goal against Manchester City that ultimately won the Gunners the Premier League title on May 19th, 2026.

The 19-year-old also scored home and away against Arsenal, and he racked up 13 goals in 35 games overall in 2025/26, his first season in the Premier League.

Kroupi has made a habit of scoring against big-six sides, adding to his three goals against Arsenal and City with another three against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

He didn’t face Chelsea in 2025/26 and only started one of their two Liverpool games, or he may well have scored against them too.

The teenager had been playing for FC Lorient in Ligue 2 last season, scoring 23 goals in 32 games to earn his move to England, and he’s stepped up well so far.

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