Arsenal now identify £100m striker as top target instead of Alvarez, talks opened
Arsenal have now made Eli Junior Kroupi their top striker target, and talks have been opened regarding a deal for the AFC Bournemouth star.
Mikel Arteta has been in hot pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, with the Spaniard personally holding talks to try and convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium, instead of joining Barcelona.
However, Alvarez has made it clear he wants to move to the Camp Nou, which means it could be difficult for the Gunners to get a late over the line, barring a late twist.
Atletico Madrid are reluctant to strengthen a rival club by selling their star striker to Barca, which is working in Arsenal’s favour, but they are yet to tempt him into a move to north London, and time is running out.
With Alvarez’s future still up in the air, as we approach the final stages of the transfer window, other striker targets have been identified, such as Kroupi, Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Real Madrid’s Endrick, and Atletico’s Alexander Sorloth.
As shown, the Bournemouth star had a fantastic debut season in the Premier League, and he has received major plaudits from analyst Zaan, who suggested he would be a good signing for Liverpool back in May.
However, one issue is the Frenchman isn’t expected to return until October or November, after undergoing surgery for a foot injury in July, so he would be unable to make an instant impact at the Emirates Stadium.
That said, Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz are ready and available for Arteta, with the latter scoring in his opening two matches this season, so the Arsenal boss already has plenty of options he can rely on until later this year.
Arsenal select Eli Junior Kroupi as top striker target
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have now identified Kroupi as their top striker target after seemingly missing out on Alvarez, although a deal could be very expensive, as he has previously been valued at £100m.
Talks have been opened regarding a deal for the youngster, but there could be competition in the race for his signature, as Manchester United and Liverpool have been making enquiries of their own.
The Gunners remain keen, despite the centre-forward being set for a long spell on the sidelines, but Bournemouth are reluctant to sanction a sale, and he remains under contract until 2030, which means the Cherries are in a strong negotiating position.
