Eli Junior Kroupi is back in team training, and Arsenal will be keeping an eye on him. The Bournemouth forward has returned to the field sooner than expected after an injury. The January transfer window rumour has gained new life.
Eli Junior Kroupi injury update: return could come at Old Trafford
Kroupi fractured a metatarsal during pre-season camp in Austria last July and required surgery shortly thereafter. He was initially expected to be out of action for up to four months, but Marco Rose has since pencilled him back in for a return in early November.
That plan has progressed, with Kroupi back in training with the squad after being left out of Bournemouth’s Europa League squad list, while Rose has continued to hint he could play some minutes at Manchester United on Sunday in a match which would be his first appearance of the season.
A struggling United side may provide a gentle return for the former QPR man, but his comeback offers options for Rose, with Alvaro Rodriguez arriving from Elche in the summer and Justin Kluivert having filled attacking roles. After months on the sidelines, Kroupi will need the minutes, but expect careful management going forward.
Arsenal transfer interest: will Bournemouth sell in January?
The previous season was one of many firsts. Kroupi netted 13 league goals in 33 matches after a move from Lorient worth £10 million. Bournemouth wrapped up in sixth place.
During the summer Arsenal have been monitoring Kroupi closely, with the sources indicating they would be ready to trigger a £100 million transfer bid. However, Bournemouth remained firm, saying that their 20-year-old player is not for sale.
Club insiders believe he needs another season on the south coast to mature.
Then came the injury. Interest cooled, and Kroupi remained at the club. Now the January talk has resurfaced. Arsenal and other clubs have been tipped to make a move again. However, BBC Sport reports that Bournemouth are still planning to turn down offers in the winter window.
Alex Scott shows Bournemouth can bend
Alex Scott’s situation is different. Bournemouth rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea in the summer, but they have since softened their stance.
The Cherries would be looking to sell the midfielder in January, as long as they feel they are safe from the drop and get a fee of at least £100m.
The fact that Bournemouth are prepared to discuss a move suggests that Kroupi’s price may be just as high and the club may simply refuse to move.
The Gunners have other options to consider, with Baena, Uzun and Tresoldi all in the frame, and Julian Alvarez still available. The timing of Kroupi’s return to training will give scouts a good look at him before the transfer window opens.
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