PSG consider January move for Bournemouth’s Kroupi as European rivals circle

Paris Saint-Germain are weighing a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, with the 20-year-old Frenchman also attracting interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

The player is valued at more than €100m, according to estimates made during the summer transfer window, while Bournemouth are in a strong negotiating position because Kroupi’s contract runs until the summer of 2030.

PSG manager Luis Enrique recently suggested the club could be open to adding players in January, particularly in attack, although he stressed that reinforcements were not essential.

“No, not necessarily,” the Spanish manager said. “The absence of injuries does not necessarily mean signing new players. At the start of the season, I said that we were capable of dealing with anything, even serious injuries. But we remain open to opportunities, and it is a possibility.”

Those comments came as the French champions dealt with several attacking issues. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been injured, Ousmane Dembele has continued to experience recurring fitness problems, and new arrivals Mika Godts and Ferran Torres have needed more time to adapt to the team.

Kvaratskhelia joined PSG midway through the season, prompting speculation over a number of possible attacking targets. Bayer Leverkusen forward Ibrahim Maza was among the names mentioned, while academy graduates Senny Mayulu and Quentin Ndjantao could also be given greater opportunities in the coming weeks.

Kroupi returns to action

Kroupi has re-emerged as a possible target after previously being considered by PSG during the summer. French outlet Foot Mercato reported the renewed interest, while the British newspaper Mirror said the Paris club were monitoring his situation.

PSG were not alone in tracking the forward. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also understood to be following his progress, setting up the prospect of strong competition for his signature.

The player had been open to the idea of moving to PSG when the club showed interest in him during the summer, despite approaches from other sides.

Kroupi recently returned after recovering from a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He has come on as a substitute in three matches since Bournemouth’s meeting with Manchester United on 25 October.

He made an immediate impact in his latest appearance against Leeds United, scoring his first goal of the season and demonstrating his attacking threat after returning from injury.

Bournemouth’s long-term contract with Kroupi means PSG, Arsenal and Bayern Munich would face a difficult negotiation if they decide to make formal approaches. The English club are believed to have been prepared to demand more than €100m for the forward during the summer.

That figure represents a significant rise in value since Kroupi joined Bournemouth from Lorient for about €13m, underlining how sharply his market worth has increased in a short period.