Arsenal’s pursuit stalls as Kroupi faces four‑month layoff

Arsenal’s search for a versatile forward has hit a setback as 20‑year‑old Eli Junior Kroupi will miss three to four months after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot on Wednesday. The French striker has been linked with a move to the north London club to bolster their attack.

Kroupi suffered the injury during Bournemouth’s pre‑season trip to Austria before returning to England for treatment. He underwent surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for between three and four months. Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images.

In his breakthrough Premier League season, the forward netted 13 goals and provided five assists, with five strikes coming in Bournemouth’s final eight league matches. The club finished sixth, secured Europa League qualification under former head coach Andoni Iraola, and ended Manchester City’s title hopes.

Arsenal’s admiration for Kroupi has been well documented, and the club is among several that have shown serious interest. Paris Saint‑Germain, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with the France youth international.

Bournemouth have made it clear they do not want to sell, and Kroupi remains under a long‑term contract without a release clause. The player has stated he would only consider a move to PSG, while reports place his valuation between £50 million and well beyond £80 million.

The injury is unlikely to change Bournemouth’s stance, but it does remove one of the summer’s most sought‑after young forwards from the market for the immediate transfer window. Consequently, any potential deal for Arsenal will be delayed until the striker recovers.

Arsenal will have to look elsewhere or wait until Kroupi returns to fitness before finalising any acquisition. Bournemouth, meanwhile, retain the forward for the upcoming season despite his absence.