Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign the player who scored the goal that handed the Gunners the Premier League title.
Eli Junior Kroupi’s equaliser for Bournemouth in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Tuesday night confirmed Arsenal as champions of England.
It has since emerged that Mikel Arteta’s side have been tracking the Frenchman for some time.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have also made clear they wish to be kept informed on Kroupi’s situation this summer, setting up a possible transfer battle between London’s two biggest clubs.
It would be quite the story if Kroupi ended up at the Emirates, after inadvertently winning Arsenal the title.
👀 PROVE US WRONG: Eli Junior Kroupi immediately improves Arsenal’s attack…
⚽ The 19-year-old has 13 Premier League goals this season!
When an Arsenal fan stopped Kroupi on the street after the City game and asked him to sign for the club, his beaming smile said everything.
Bournemouth, however, are insisting the 19-year-old is not for sale, with the club having secured European football for next season under outgoing manager Andoni Iraola.
Kroupi’s 13 league goals set a new record for a teenager in their debut Premier League campaign, surpassing the marks previously set by Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.
Versatile enough to play as a number nine, number ten or on the left wing, he fits the profile of a modern forward Arteta likes, as does Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
A fee of around £80 million for Kroupi is being mooted.
How Eli Junior Kroupi fits into Arsenal’s summer transfer plans
Arsenal’s attacking options are expected to be given a significant reshuffle.
Gabriel Jesus is expected to depart, and the club are also listening to offers for Gabriel Martinelli.
Debate has persisted all season over whether Viktor Gyokeres is the right fit for Arteta’s system, despite the Swede having now scored 21 goals this season.
Kai Havertz is probably Arteta’s preferred number nine, but the German has struggled for fitness this season.
There’s no doubt that Kroupi’s versatility and natural instinct in front of goal would offer the Gunners something different.
Chelsea’s involvement may complicate matters, but it is anticipated that Xabi Alonso will target ready-made signings in his first summer window.
Whether a 19-year-old, however talented, fits that brief remains to be seen, but for Arsenal, the appeal is obvious.
And it’s helped by the fact that he is already loved by Arsenal fans without even wearing the shirt.
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