Eli Junior Kroupi
Arsenal are preparing to revisit their interest in Eli Junior Kroupi, according to The Independent.
The newspaper reports that the club are considering a fresh move for the Bournemouth forward when the January transfer window opens.
Mikel Arteta’s side ended the summer without a major attacking signing. Christos Tzolis was the only new forward to arrive, while Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all left.
Kroupi was among the players Arsenal were linked with before the window closed. A foot injury in pre-season, which required surgery, ended any chance of a deal.
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Kroupi scored 13 Premier League goals in 33 games in his first season in England. That form made him one of the most sought-after young forwards in the league.
He made his first appearance of the new season as a late substitute in Bournemouth’s 3-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday 25 October. He then played 10 minutes in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old has now spoken about his future. His words will interest Arsenal supporters.
Kroupi was speaking to DAZN France, in comments relayed by Football.London.
“I’m going to give my all to play for the biggest clubs in the world, in the best leagues in the world,” he said.
“When I was little, playing in the Premier League was my dream. As I grew up, that dream became a goal.”
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Asked whether he would have left Bournemouth this summer without the injury, he did not commit.
“I can’t say. I don’t know what would have happened,” Kroupi said. “At Bournemouth, I’m going to give everything for the fans and to help the team perform.”
Reports put his valuation at around €100m, or about £83.5m.
Arsenal are not the only club in the picture.
Tottenham Hotspur had hoped to sign him this summer before the injury, with Barcelona also monitoring the player.
Arsenal are believed to be the frontrunners, but that a deal is more likely in the summer of 2027. The January window opens on 1 January.
Arsenal and Liverpool coach Mikel Arteta with Andoni Iraola
Arsenal and Liverpool coach Mikel Arteta with Andoni Iraola
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