Tottenham Hotspur are bottom of the table after collecting only two points from their opening five league matches, leaving Roberto De Zerbi under increasing scrutiny. The underwhelming start is particularly alarming after the club’s hierarchy splashed closer to £400million to bring in new players during an exciting summer rebuild.
Ten players arrived during the summer, including Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Omar Marmoush and Savio, while several experienced members of the squad departed. Integrating 10 new players while replacing key players in the roster was always going to be tough for our gaffer.
Spurs were also keen on signing Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi during the summer transfer window. The highly-rated Frenchman was Roberto De Zerbi’s top striker target, until he suffered a major injury setback. He sustained a foot injury in training that led to surgery, ruling him out of action for three to four months.
Bournemouth forward nearing return from injury
Eli Junior Kroupi was a revelation in English football last term, scoring 13 Premier League goals in 33 outings. The 20-year-old played a key role in Bournemouth’s qualification to the Europa League, and his performances in his debut season in the Premier League attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
According to an exclusive report from The Sun, Tottenham and Arsenal could revive their interest in Kroupi as he nears his return from injury. The versatile attacker is working extremely hard to attain full fitness within the next four weeks following surgery.
There was a strong belief within the player’s camp that he could have moved during the summer transfer window after just one season with the Cherries. But those hopes were shattered when the French talent suffered a foot injury during pre-season, which required operation.
The report adds that Kroupi is making significant progress and is targeting a return to competitive action around the first week of November. The youngster’s imminent return could also be welcomed by several clubs, including Tottenham and Arsenal. It’d also be a big boost for Bournemouth, who are still searching for their first league win under new boss Marco Rose.
The Cherries have no plans to part ways with the player in the winter transfer window. The south coast club slapped an eye-watering £80 million asking price on the player in the past transfer window to scare off his suitors, and they might stick to that valuation if Spurs, Arsenal or any other club comes knocking on their door when the window reopens on January 1, 2027.
For now, there is confidence that Kroupi will remain at the Vitality Stadium and not push for a mid-season exit amid interest from Spurs and Arsenal. It will be interesting to see the impact the Lorient native can have on Rose’s team after he recovers fully.