Arsenal’s pursuit of Lorient forward Eli Junior Kroupi has received a significant boost after Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from the race for the eighteen-year-old, Sky Sports reported on Friday. T2 - Sky Sports
PSG had been monitoring Kroupi for several months and were understood to have explored terms with Lorient’s hierarchy in recent weeks. Their decision to step back leaves Arsenal as the leading suitor for the France youth international, strengthening Mikel Arteta’s hand in negotiations with the Ligue 2 club. No fee has been publicly disclosed, though Lorient are believed to value the player in the region of €20m given his age, contract length, and goal return of 14 in 28 appearances this season.
Sky Sports reported the development as part of its Friday paper-talk roundup, citing its own sourcing on PSG’s withdrawal. The story has not yet been corroborated by a Tier-1 transfer specialist, and no formal bid from Arsenal has been confirmed at this stage. Kroupi’s agent has not commented publicly.
Kroupi, a product of Lorient’s academy, has drawn comparisons to a young Karim Benzema for his movement in the box and composure in front of goal. He has represented France at under-18 and under-19 level and is widely regarded as one of the most promising young forwards in European football.
Arsenal are expected to return with a formal offer in the coming weeks, with the club understood to view Kroupi as a long-term addition to Arteta’s attacking options rather than an immediate first-team starter. The player has two years remaining on his Lorient contract, which gives the French club some leverage but also creates a window for a deal before his value depreciates.
The next step to watch is whether Arsenal table an opening bid before the end of the month, and whether any other suitors emerge to fill the space left by PSG’s exit.