Bournemouth striker Junior Eli Kroupi has been ruled out for 3-4 months after suffering a foot injury in training, all but ending Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of a deal this summer, according to David Ornstein.
The Gunners have been in the market for a new forward this summer and Kroupi had emerged as a target following a record-breaking 13 goal season in the Premier League last season. Spurs, on the other hand, are keen to bring in two new forwards, and Kroupi had been linked as one of their top targets alongside Savinho.
But a move away now looks impossible after the striker was forced to jet back from the club's tour of Austria to undergo surgery.
AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
via Reuters
Kroupi, who has been described as 'world-class', has been one of the most sought-after forwards in the transfer market this summer, with a number of top clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.
Bournemouth, however, have been adamant that he will not be sold under any circumstances, refusing to put a valuation on the player as they look to keep him at the Vitality Stadium.
Now, any hopes that Arsenal or Spurs had of getting a deal done later in the window have been scuppered, after the French forward suffered a fracture of his fifth metatarsal and was forced to undergo surgery.
The player flew home from the club's pre-season tour in Austria and underwent successful foot surgery on Wednesday, and is now expected to sidelined until late October or November.
The injury is a huge blow for Bournemouth too, who had been planning their campaign around the star forward for new manager Marco Rose. The club have already bolstered their forward options with the £21m signing of Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche, while they are adamant that Brazil star Rayan will also stay put despite strong interest.