Arsenal target reveals classy message from Gunners stars after title-clinching goal

Credit: Getty Images

Eli Junior Kroupi has revealed Arsenal players bombarded him with messages following his goal that helped secure the Gunners’ Premier League title triumph.

The Bournemouth striker found the net against Manchester City on Tuesday night, breaking the deadlock in a crucial draw that crowned Arsenal as champions. Despite Erling Haaland’s late equalizer, the result was enough to seal the title for the north London side.

Speaking to Stadium Astro ahead of the final game of the season, the France Under-21 international confirmed he received numerous messages from Arsenal players thanking him for his contribution. However, Kroupi remained diplomatic about his role in Arsenal’s success.

“Yes, I have received many messages, but I tell myself that I didn’t do this for Arsenal,” the 19-year-old explained. “I do this for Bournemouth. I can say I scored against Arsenal, I scored against City. It doesn’t change anything. I just wanted to help my team.”

Record-breaking debut season

Kroupi’s strike against City was particularly significant as it made him the highest-scoring teenager in a debut Premier League campaign, with 13 goals surpassing the previous records held by Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.

The striker, who Bournemouth signed from Lorient for just £12 million at the start of the season, has attracted significant attention from top clubs. According to football.london, Arsenal are among those interested in the French forward as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.

Bournemouth determined to keep star

Despite the growing interest, Bournemouth appear determined to retain their breakthrough star. The CIES Football Observatory values Kroupi at €76.6 million (£66.2 million), but the Cherries are under no pressure to sell with four years remaining on his contract.

Bournemouth sporting director Tiago Pinto made the club’s position crystal clear earlier this month, stating categorically that Kroupi would not be leaving. “Junior Kroupi will not be leaving the club. His contract is for more than four years, there is no release clause in the contract, and he will not be going anywhere,” Pinto told Saudi Arabian outlet 365scores.

When pressed about whether a significant offer could change their stance, Pinto was equally emphatic: “We will not sell Kroupi even if we receive offers of €100mm (£85m).”

For now, Kroupi remains focused on Bournemouth’s European ambitions, telling Stadium Astro: “Perform with my team and perform also in Europe also because it is very beautiful to be in Europe, but you have to perform to play there.”

Arsenal’s attention will soon turn to their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, where they have the chance to win Europe’s elite competition for the first time in their history.