Arsenal to sign striker as ‘priority’

Arsenal are looking to sign a striker as a priority for the coming transfer windows, with Eli Junior Kroupi among the options being considered.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are looking at a striker as their next priority signing, confirming that AFC Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has been on the Gunners’ shortlist.

Romano adds that FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain have all had Kroupi on their shortlists as well, so there’s clearly competition there.

But it seems Kroupi is one of several names Arsenal are considering ahead of the January transfer window and beyond, with Romano suggesting a summer deal is more likely.

Tom Canton had reported for Football.London earlier this week that Kroupi and Brentford’s Kevin Schade were both names to monitor from an Arsenal perspective ahead of the January window.

Canton added that further names could emerge throughout the season, but suggests that it’s more common for clubs to look within the Premier League for January signings, given the lack of an adaptation period mid-season.

Kroupi was one of the big names in the summer market, but all the rumours dried up when he suffered a serious foot injury during his pre-season preparations.

The striker ultimately had to undergo surgery, and he was expected to miss three-to-four months of action. The current expectation is that he’ll be back around the start of November.

The 20-year-old’s 13 goals in his debut season in the Premier League certainly make him a hot prospect, and if he returns from injury just as impressively, he could well be the subject of January interest.

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