Arsenal are tracking AFC Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi and Brentford winger Kevin Schade as they plan for potential attacking additions in the January transfer window, according to reports in football.london and corroborated by multiple market sources. Mikel Arteta is understood to be evaluating options to improve his forward rotation for the second half of the 2026/27 campaign, specifically targeting versatility to complement the current attacking unit.
Status: Multiple independent sources
Kroupi's Premier League breakout and valuation
Eli Junior Kroupi has established himself as one of the Premier League's most notable young forwards since arriving in England. The 20-year-old recorded 13 goals in his debut season with Bournemouth, a return that proved critical in the club's successful push for European qualification. Despite his current absence due to injury, Arsenal are continuing to monitor the French youth international. Securing a deal for the forward would require significant capital; as first reported by David Ornstein, a valuation in the region of €115m (£100m) is the figure cited to potentially convince the south coast club to engage in negotiations. Bournemouth are under no immediate pressure to sell, given his contract at the Vitality Stadium is secured until 2030, and the club has maintained that they remain protective of their leading assets.
Brentford move to secure Schade future
Brentford have initiated formal negotiations to extend Kevin Schade’s contract, currently set to expire in 2028, as they work to prevent interest from top-tier clubs from becoming a distraction. The 24-year-old winger has started the current season in productive form, and Arsenal reportedly registered an enquiry regarding his availability during the summer window. Brentford, however, made their position clear from the outset, indicating they had no intention of allowing the German international to depart. According to reports from TEAMtalk, Brentford’s valuation would start at a figure higher than their club-record sale, which remains the €75m (£70m) transfer of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United in 2025. The Bees are prioritising contract discussions to ensure their leverage in the market remains robust.
Tactical flexibility in Arteta’s attack
The interest in both Kroupi and Schade reflects an ongoing effort to introduce greater tactical variety into Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup. Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre, speaking in an interview with Goal, observed that the squad benefits from possessing a diverse range of profiles to break down varying defensive structures. Arsenal are known to be seeking options that can operate effectively against both high-intensity presses and low-block defences. This search has gained urgency following the club’s inability to secure a permanent replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, who departed earlier this year. Arsenal are also mindful of the current squad dynamics, with reports suggesting that a move for a central operator like Kroupi may be contingent on further shifts in the forward line, including the long-term outlook for Viktor Gyokeres.
TransferNews market context
Our TransferNews database indicates that Arsenal are maintaining a long-term interest in versatile attackers despite the significant summer squad adjustments. The club is currently navigating a period where market opportunities are being weighed against the financial constraints of the January window. While Kroupi and Schade represent two distinct profiles, both are identified as high-value assets requiring a substantial liquidity commitment. The current valuation gap between reported interest and realistic transfer figures for these players remains a significant hurdle. Furthermore, as both players are viewed as core components by their respective clubs, any move in the upcoming winter window would require a concerted effort from the Arsenal recruitment team. We will continue to track developments as the January 2027 market approaches.
