REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
Arsenal are showing an interest in signing Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, and he could be a better long-term option than Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move to sign Alvarez during the previous summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise.
The Argentinian international was also being linked with a move to Barcelona, but ultimately remained with Atletico Madrid for the upcoming season.
Whether Arsenal will renew their interest in Alvarez remains to be seen, but they do appear to be exploring other options in attack.
There's no doubt the Gunners could do with adding another body in their forward line, particularly with Viktor Gyokeres struggling to hit the heights expected of him.
It's unclear whether Arsenal will make a concrete move for a new forward in January, as they usually do most of their business in the summer, but they are in the market for an attacker nonetheless.
According to reports, Arsenal's interest in signing Kroupi from Bournemouth is 'very real' as they assess forward options heading into 2027.
Kroupi is currently watching from the sidelines after he suffered an injury during pre-season, putting to bed any potential summer transfer rumours.
It's not going to be easy for Arsenal to convince Bournemouth to sell a player of Kroupi's calibre, especially if they plan on making a move in the middle of the season.
Ben White
Ben White
Kroupi over Alvarez?
via Reuters
There's certainly an argument to suggest that Kroupi could be a better long-term option than Alvarez for Arsenal.
The Bournemouth youngster, described as a 'world-class' talent by team-mate Marcus Tavernier, has already shown an incredible amount of ability at such a young age, and there's no doubt he's got a huge future in the Premier League.
Alvarez should be in his peak years, and although he's a fantastic centre-forward, Kroupi could overtake him in terms of potential.
Signing Kroupi could be a smarter option that Alvarez for the Gunners, especially if they are both going to cost a similar amount of money.