Arsenal are being strongly tipped to make a move for Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi when the January transfer window opens.
According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Kroupi will “almost certainly” be an option for the Gunners at the turn of the year.
Delaney believes Arsenal may need to re-enter the market for a top-quality forward in January, given the injury records of Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka in recent seasons.
The French youngster is primarily a centre-forward but can also operate as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing, giving him considerable versatility.
Kroupi enjoyed a brilliant debut season with Bournemouth last campaign, registering 13 goals from 33 Premier League appearances and catching the eye of several top clubs.
He was used largely as a substitute earlier in the season before stepping into a more prominent role after Antoine Semenyo made the switch to Manchester City in January.
Kroupi ended the campaign as the highest-scoring teenager in the English top-flight, with an impressive shot-to-goal conversion rate of 25 percent.
The forward is expected to return to action by the festive period, giving Arsenal the chance to assess his performances before deciding whether to make a winter move.
If the Gunners find themselves in a strong position in the title race heading into the winter window, they could be prepared to spend significantly to bring Kroupi to north London.
Bournemouth are believed to view the teenager as a £100 million player and could stand firm on that valuation, given the inflated prices that dominated the recently concluded summer transfer window.
Any potential deal is unlikely to be straightforward, with Bournemouth holding considerable leverage over a player who has already proven himself at Premier League level.
Arsenal’s need for attacking depth and cover could ultimately prove the driving force behind a serious pursuit of one of English football’s most exciting young forwards.