Arsenal receive major update on Mikel Arteta's dream striker signing

1 Oct 2026 09:53 BST 2 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Bournemouth will not entertain offers for Arsenal target Eli Junior Kroupi during the upcoming January transfer window, it has been confirmed.

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Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to be in the market for a new striker next year and Kroupi is among their top targets after he scored 13 Premier League goals during his debut campaign at Bournemouth last year.

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The 20-year-old is currently sidelined with a foot injury, but he remains on Arsenal’s transfer radar and Bournemouth are expecting to receive approaches from a host of top clubs next year following his impressive first season in England.

However, the Cherries will not entertain offers for Kroupi during the winter window, as per a report from BBC Sport. Bournemouth also have no interest in selling Alex Scott or Rayan in January as they look to continue their success in the Premier League and go deep in the Europa League.

The likes of Barcelona and Chelsea have also been linked with Kroupi in recent months, although Arsenal are believed to be his strongest suitors and they are expected to test Bournemouth’s resolve in 2027. But, they are unlikely to agree a deal during the mid-season window.

Will Arsenal sign a new striker in 2027?

Arsenal strengthened their attacking unit with the signing of Christos Tzolis over the summer, but they sold both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, while they missed out on key targets Vinicius Junior, Morgan Rogers and Julian Alvarez.

As a result, it’s understood that adding another forward to their ranks is considered to be a priority for 2027, with Kroupi on their wishlist following his outstanding debut campaign at Bournemouth.

© IMAGO - Arsenal want to sign Eli Junior Kroupi

This has been confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who told his podcast in September: “Arsenal are still looking at strikers, that's the reality.

“They are considering options, looking at options. I would not call that something imminent or huge because Arsenal are very happy with the strikers they have. Arsenal are scoring a lot of goals.

“So, at the moment, they are quite happy and relaxed, I would say, with the options they have at the striker position. Then, if you ask me for 2027, striker is an area where they want cover. I expect to do something.

“If it's not going to be in January, it might be in the summer transfer window. The timing, we will see. It's too early now, it's still September, but Arsenal are looking at the striker as the next priority for Mikel Arteta.”

He added: “Let's see what kind of strikers are going to be available in 2027. For example, Kroupi at Bournemouth is a player who was on the list at Barcelona, Arsenal, Man City, PSG - several clubs wanted him. Let's see if Arsenal will go back into conversations for him or not.

“There are several names Arsenal are considering. Arsenal will explore all the options because I expect a new striker, most likely in the summer transfer window.”