Arsenal forward target Kroupi nears injury return in boost for January move
Arsenal's interest in a striker is unlikely to cool off this winter, and the forward long considered a back up plan to Julian Alvarez has just taken a significant step towards full fitness.
Eli Junior Kroupi, the Bournemouth forward who has been linked with Arsenal since last season, has returned to full training with the Cherries, according to football.london. The outlet, which first reported Arsenal's interest in the Frenchman back in May, says Bournemouth boss Marco Rose confirmed this week that Kroupi could even feature against Manchester United on Sunday.
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The 20 year old underwent foot surgery in July after sustaining the injury in pre-season, a setback that effectively ended any hope of a summer move. Arsenal had already identified him as a priority target before his breakthrough season fully took off, with football.london reporting the club's interest predated Kroupi's title deciding goal against Manchester City last term. He finished his first Premier League campaign with 13 goals.
Alvarez pursuit falls away
Arsenal's attempts to sign Kroupi in the summer were rebuffed by Bournemouth, who made clear their talisman was not for sale. The Cherries reportedly believe he stands to benefit from another season on the south coast, especially with European football now part of the club's plans.
That rejection, combined with Kroupi's injury, pushed Arsenal towards Julian Alvarez as their priority forward target instead. The Gunners maintained interest in the Atletico Madrid striker right up to deadline day, hoping he would have a change of heart.
Alvarez, however, had made no secret of his preference for a move to Barcelona. With Atletico blocking that switch and the player opting to stay in Madrid rather than join Arsenal, despite being booed by his own supporters for going on strike, his situation now looks settled. Manager Diego Simeone has since praised Alvarez's application, and the Argentine scored his first goal of the season this week following his reintegration into the squad.
A forward still needed
Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcement has not gone away. The club have scored comfortably fewer goals than any other top four side in the Premier League this season, underlining why a January move for a forward remains a live possibility.
Kroupi, valued at around £90 100million and under contract until 2030, has already been the subject of renewed Arsenal interest for the winter window, per football.london. His return to training and potential involvement against Manchester United this weekend will be watched closely at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta's side having kept their powder dry after missing out on a marquee forward signing in the summer.
Whether Arsenal move for Kroupi in January will likely depend on how quickly he can rediscover full match sharpness after months on the sidelines.
