Bournemouth refuse to sell Arsenal target in January
Bournemouth have no intention of letting Eli Junior Kroupi leave in January, even with Arsenal reportedly determined to get a deal done before the end of the season.
The teenage forward has emerged as one of Arsenal's main attacking targets, with the club said to have the financial resources to move for him during the winter window rather than waiting until summer. That preference, though, now looks difficult to realise.
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According to Metro Sport, Bournemouth insist Kroupi will not be sold in January and are determined to keep him until at least the end of the campaign. That stance could force Arsenal to reconsider their approach, with a summer pursuit likely to bring far more competition for his signature.
Why Arsenal are so keen
Kroupi has missed much of the current season through injury, but his underlying talent remains highly rated. He was the highest scoring teenager in the Premier League last season, a record that has drawn interest from multiple clubs across Europe.
His progress has also earned him a call up to the senior France national team, a further sign of his rising profile. Arsenal will know that waiting for the summer window risks losing out to rivals who may be able to offer Kroupi more regular first team football in the short term.
Could Arsenal offer him a route into the side?
Arsenal's own attacking form may still work in their favour. Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz have not scored consistently enough so far this season, which could open the door for another forward to push for minutes at the Emirates.
That scenario could make Arsenal an appealing destination for Kroupi, who would be weighing up not just a move to a bigger club but where he is most likely to get genuine playing time as he continues his development. Bournemouth's refusal to negotiate a January sale, though, means any serious talks over his future are unlikely to resume until the summer at the earliest.
Arsenal will continue to monitor the situation, but for now the north London club's preference for an early deal appears to be at odds with Bournemouth's plans to keep hold of one of their most promising young talents through to the end of the season.
