Arsenal eye second Bournemouth forward alongside Kroupi interest
Eli Junior Kroupi is not the only Bournemouth attacker on Arsenal's radar. According to TeamTalk, Arsenal want to sign Brazilian forward Evanilson in January as they look to add further depth to their attacking options.
Arsenal have been linked with a January move for Kroupi in recent weeks after the Frenchman impressed before an injury suffered in the summer kept him out of much of the current campaign. That absence has given a teammate the chance to shine, and it is now that player, Evanilson, who has reportedly caught the Gunners' eye.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
Evanilson's form for Bournemouth
Evanilson has scored five goals and provided four assists in 10 Premier League appearances this season. He has played an influential role as Bournemouth have recorded eight consecutive victories in all competitions, a run that has helped the Cherries exceed expectations this term.
At 27, the Brazilian also brings experience of English football, having already spent time playing in the Premier League. That familiarity could be viewed as an advantage by Arsenal given the adaptation often required of players arriving from abroad, and it potentially sets him apart from Viktor Gyokeres, who remains part of the club's attacking plans but arrived in England more recently.
Why Arsenal could move in January
The reported interest comes as Arsenal look to maintain their strong form throughout the campaign. Adding another forward would give Mikel Arteta more options and help the club remain competitive across its various objectives.
Evanilson's goals and assists have made him an important figure in Bournemouth's campaign, and his performances appear to have given Arsenal reason to consider a move. Whether that interest translates into a formal approach may depend on Bournemouth's willingness to sell a key attacking player midway through the season, particularly one currently in such productive form.
Arsenal will also need to weigh up how a move for Evanilson fits alongside any potential deal for Kroupi, given both players come from the same club and occupy similar areas of the pitch. For now, the links remain speculative, but Bournemouth's continued excellent form means any approach from Arsenal would likely require a significant offer to prise away one of their most important players.
