Kroupi issues plea to Europe's elite as Bournemouth block Arsenal's January move

Bournemouth are set to rebuff any January approach for Eli Junior Kroupi, dealing a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of signing the 20-year-old French forward midway through the season, according to reports from TEAMtalk. The development comes as Kroupi himself has openly expressed his desire to one day play for Europe’s elite clubs.

Kroupi has been on Arsenal’s radar since at least last spring, when football.london reported the north Londoners’ interest in the Bournemouth attacker. The Cherries shut down that interest quickly, valuing their star man at over £100 million and making clear he was not for sale. A metatarsal injury sustained during pre-season further complicated matters, prompting Arsenal to look elsewhere.

His return to fitness and Mikel Arteta’s continued search for a marquee forward have since reignited speculation around a potential winter move. But Bournemouth’s position, according to TEAMtalk, remains firm: Kroupi will not be leaving in January.

The player, however, appears to have his own ambitions. In an interview with DAZN France, Kroupi said: “I’m going to give my all to play for the biggest clubs in the world, in the best leagues in the world.” When asked whether he would have remained at Bournemouth had he not been injured, he added: “I can’t say. I don’t know what would have happened.”

The comments are unlikely to ease tensions between club and player, and could yet attract interest from beyond the Premier League — with PSG and Barcelona also reported to be among the clubs monitoring his situation.

Separately, Arsenal are said to be weighing a move for Porto right-back Alberto Costa. The 23-year-old Portuguese international left Vitoria Guimaraes for Juventus in January 2025 before returning to Portugal that July, and has since established himself as a near ever-present for Porto this season. Reports suggest a transfer battle could be on the cards, with a fee in the region of £54 million being discussed.

Arsenal head into the January window with pressing squad needs after a turbulent week that included a Carabao Cup exit on penalties at Fleetwood Town, where teenager Max Dowman was sent off on his senior debut in a 1-1 draw. The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League, level on points with leaders Manchester City but behind on goal difference.