Arsenal are targeting several potential big-money signings behind the scenes
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on as a drone pauses the game during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal at Highbury Stadium on October 27, 2026 in Fleetwood, England.
Mikel Arteta is still keen to improve his Arsenal squad (Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
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Arsenal's mentality will be tested at Anfield on Sunday, with Liverpool next up in the Premier League following the Gunners’ midweek Carabao Cup disappointment. The defending champions remain second in the league, behind Manchester City on goal difference, but head into the fixture after an unexpected setback at Fleetwood Town.
Mikel Arteta's side were knocked out on penalties on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw. Max Dowman's first senior red card added to a miserable night for the Gunners, who now need to put that result behind them as attention returns to their league title defence.
The exit leaves Arsenal competing on three fronts, with the Champions League and FA Cup also on their agenda. Maintaining those challenges will place hefty demands on Arteta's squad, making the January transfer window an opportunity to assess where further reinforcements could help.
Here, football.london brings you a round-up of the updates surrounding two Arsenal targets.
Kroupi opens up on move
Bournemouth reportedly have no intention of selling Eli Junior Kroupi in January. The 20-year-old striker has been linked with Arsenal since last season, with football.london revealing in May that the Gunners were interested in the Frenchman.
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However, Bournemouth told Arsenal that Kroupi was not for sale, with his valuation understood to exceed £100million. That stance, together with the metatarsal injury he suffered during pre-season, led the Gunners to pursue other targets.
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Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth and France arrives for the 70th Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Palladium Theatre on October 26, 2026 in London, England.
Eli Junior Kroupi wants to play for a big club(Image: Jeff Spicer - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
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His recent return to fitness and Arsenal's reported desire to sign a marquee forward have led to speculation about a January offer. But TEAMtalk reports that Bournemouth do not plan to let their highly rated striker leave before the end of this season.
However, Kroupi has spoken about his ambition to play at the highest level, with clubs such as PSG and Barcelona reportedly among his potential suitors. And that's a major signal for Arsenal that he'd be open to joining them next year.
"I'm going to give my all to play for the biggest clubs in the world, in the best leagues in the world," Kroupi said in an interview with DAZN France.
"I can't say. I don't know what would have happened," he added when asked if he would have stayed at Bournemouth had he not been injured.
£54m defender pursued
Alberto Costa of FC Porto during the anthem prior to the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between FC Porto and PSV Eindhoven at Estadio do Dragao on October 20, 2026 in Porto, Portugal.
Arsenal face a battle to sign Alberto Costa(Image: Diogo Cardoso, Getty Images)
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Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Alberto Costa from Porto. The 23-year-old right-back left Vitoria Guimaraes for Juventus in January 2025 before returning to his native Portugal that July.
He has since established himself as a key player at Porto, appearing in all but one of the club's fixtures this season. According to Fussball News, his performances have attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
All three clubs are said to be 'closely monitoring' Costa's progress, although United's interest is understood to be more serious at this stage. The Red Devils reportedly see him as a potential upgrade on Diogo Dalot because of his pace and attacking qualities.
Arsenal are more settled defensively, but Arteta has previously shown a willingness to strengthen his backline despite already boasting a plethora of options. Costa's Porto contract runs until June 2030 and includes a £54m release clause, which would need to be triggered to secure his departure.