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Arsenal and Chelsea chase Kroupi as Man United eye Tonali-Ederson double

5/21/2026 · Sport

Arsenal and Chelsea have entered the race for Bournemouth’s 19-year-old striker Eli Junior Kroupi, while Manchester United pursue a bold double swoop for Atalanta’s Ederson and Newcastle’s Tonali. Meanwhile, Everton and Fulham circle free-agent Harry Wilson.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both confirmed interest in Bournemouth’s rising French striker Eli Junior Kroupi, just 19 years old, as clubs scramble to bolster their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window. Sources close to the Cherries insist Kroupi remains off-limits, but the Gunners and Blues have refused to rule out a late move, with scouts already embedded at Dean Court.

£120 millionCombined budget Arsenal and Chelsea could deploy in pursuit of Kroupi

The race for Kroupi comes as Manchester United intensify their pursuit of a high-risk, high-reward double signing: Ederson from Atalanta and Tonali from Newcastle. The trio, all 26, would reshape United’s midfield if Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s successor can secure their signatures before June. Talks are understood to be at an advanced stage, with personal terms already agreed for both players.

Key Players in Motion

  • 🔥 Eli Junior Kroupi — Bournemouth striker, 19, French, rising talent
  • ⚽ Sandro Tonali — Newcastle midfielder, 26, Italy international
  • 💎 Ederson — Atalanta midfielder, 26, Brazil international
  • 🏴 Harry Wilson — Free-agent Wales midfielder, 29

Fulham and Everton have earmarked Wales international Harry Wilson as their top summer target, with Wilson set to leave Liverpool on June 30 after his contract expires. Aston Villa, fresh off their Europa League triumph, have also entered the fray, offering Wilson a lucrative deal to bolster Unai Emery’s squad. Everton, under Sean Dyche, view him as a direct replacement for Idrissa Gana Gueye.

📋 By The Numbers

  • 1 — Wilson’s contract offers: Fulham, Everton, and Villa are all in the mix
  • £100m — Villa’s summer transfer budget following Europa League qualification
  • 0 — Clubs currently willing to sell Kroupi, per Bournemouth sources

Brighton have opened talks with Olympiacos over the €12 million acquisition of 26-year-old Portuguese right-back Costinha, a move that would provide competition for Jan Paul van Hecke. The Seagulls are keen to add depth to their defensive options as they push for European football.

ClubTargetStatus
ArsenalEli Junior KroupiInterest confirmed, not selling
ChelseaEli Junior KroupiScouting active, budget available
Man UtdEderson + TonaliTalks advanced, personal terms agreed
Fulham/EvertonHarry WilsonFree agent, both clubs monitoring
BrightonCostinha€12m bid in progress

Arsenal and Juventus are keeping tabs on Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders, the 27-year-old Dutch midfielder, who has seen limited game time since his £50 million move last summer. The Gunners and Old Lady are prepared to wait if a move materialises, prioritising Reijnders’ development and versatility over immediate impact.

💡 Pro Tip

Clubs chasing free agents like Harry Wilson should finalise deals before June 30 to avoid losing leverage—once the window opens, competition intensifies and sellers lose their upper hand.

Newcastle are preparing contingency plans if Anthony Gordon departs, with Porto’s 21-year-old Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo on their radar. The Magpies are prepared to act if Gordon’s £60 million valuation is met, despite his inconsistent form this season.

Inter Milan are exploring a move for Arsenal’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, the 31-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, as a long-term backup to Yann Sommer. The transfer would provide Inter with depth and a high-profile option should Sommer depart in the future. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso’s appointment at Chelsea could derail Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of Marc Cucurella, with the new Blues manager keen to retain the Spain international defender.

£80 millionPotential valuation for Anthony Gordon if Newcastle opt to sell

Arsenal are set to reward 24-year-old Dutch defender Jurrien Timber with a new contract, securing his future at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners view him as a cornerstone of their defensive rebuild under Mikel Arteta, with a long-term deal expected to be finalised within weeks.

Summer Transfer Watch

  • 🏆 Highest-profile target: Harry Wilson (free agent)
  • ⚠️ Biggest obstacle: Kroupi’s price tag and unwillingness to leave Bournemouth
  • 💰 Most expensive deal: Tonali and Ederson, if United land both
  • 🔄 Most likely move: Lewis Hall to Manchester United

Liam Delap’s exit from Chelsea is edging closer, with Everton now leading the race to sign the 23-year-old English striker. Delap has made just 12 Premier League appearances for the Blues, and with Cole Palmer’s emergence, his future at Stamford Bridge appears increasingly uncertain. Everton see him as a promising backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

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