Arsenal reportedly make Bournemouth's Kroupi £80m+ January target

📰 Arsenal are reportedly prioritising a forward over a defender in January, with Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi said to top their list – though the BBC says Bournemouth will not sell mid-season. 📌 Key points 🩹 William Saliba's quicker-than-expected recovery has reportedly put defensive signings on hold. 🎯 Bournemouth's 20-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi is named as the top attacking target. 💰 Bournemouth are said to want at least £80m for the forward. 🚫 BBC Sport reports the Cherries will not entertain January offers. 👀 Brentford's Kevin Schade is also being monitored, according to reports. 📝 What happened 🩹 According to FootballTransfers, Saliba suffered a serious back injury in France's World Cup semi-final but his rehab has gone faster than expected, with a return possible within a month. That, the outlet says, means Arsenal are now expected to prioritise a new attacker rather than a centre-back. 🎯 Arsenal lost Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in the summer and missed out on several attacking targets. Vital Football, citing The Independent, reports Kroupi has emerged as a January option after scoring 13 goals in 33 league games last season. 🦶 There are two big hurdles. Kroupi broke a metatarsal and needed surgery, so he has yet to play this season, and with his contract running to June 2030, Bournemouth reportedly value him at £80m or more. 🚫 BBC Sport adds that Bournemouth will not consider offers in January at all, while Fabrizio Romano suggests Arsenal are still looking at strikers but a deal is more likely in the summer. Nothing has been agreed. 📊 By the numbers • Kroupi last season: 13 goals in 33 Premier League games • Age: 20 / contract until June 2030 • Reported asking price: £80m+ 🔭 Why it matters Arsenal's attack looks thinner after the summer departures, so how they strengthen will shape their second half of the season. With Bournemouth ruling out a January sale, summer 2027 looks the more realistic window. Saliba's comeback is being linked with the Champions League meeting with Bayern on 21 October.