Arsenal are said to have leapfrogged Tottenham in the race to sign a Premier League attacker who is expected to move this summer. The Gunners have had a quiet summer so far, aside from the surprise goalkeeper signing of Illan Meslier, but they are expected to pull off a couple of big-money moves.
Mikel Arteta wants a left winger and a box-to-box midfielder as priorities, while he may end up needing a striker and perhaps some other positions based on potential exits. Meanwhile, Tottenham are now going all-out for attacker signings having taken care of their defence with the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, and the midfield with the signings of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
Despite racking up a record spending total, Tottenham are going to continue to spend, and they now want an attacker, but rivals Arsenal might just get in the way.
Arsenal now lead race for Tottenham target Kroupi
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are now leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi. It's claimed Arsenal and PSG are the most likely destinations because of a likely asking price of £100million from Bournemouth, who do not want to sell.
Pete O'Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: "Spurs won't be alone in their pursuit of Kroupi if there's any indication that he could leave. PSG are admirers and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the situation, so it'll be a difficult race to win. Bournemouth don't want to sell and the price tag could maybe put him out of Tottenham's reach."
Spurs are likely to spend another big fee to sign an attacker, but £100million is likely to be too rich for their blood after spending £235million already. Exits are likely, which could help, but it would likely take a big Richarlison or Dominic Solanke exit to allow them to go into the market for a £100million attacker.
As for Arsenal, they are going to prioritise a Morgan Rogers deal, but Aston Villa could price them out of that deal, leading them to look elsewhere, although they will prioritise a left-wing signing over a striker recruit, and Kroup is mainly a centre-forward.
Kroupi a 'generational' talent
Kroupi impressed in a game against Arsenal last season, scoring a superb 25-yard strike in the 3-2 defeat. Speaking after that game,
Bournemouth star Marcus Tavernier said: "I’ve said before, Junior is a generational talent. The club has done an amazing job to pick Kroupi up.
“That boy has an unbelievable future ahead of him and today he showed why he’s such a good talent in the world of football.”
Bournemouth signed Kroupi for just £12million, and they are now set to make a giant profit if they do ultimately decide to sell.