Arsenal have identified Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz as key targets ahead of the January transfer window, according to new reports.
Kroupi was a prominent target for the Gunners during the summer, but a foot fracture suffered in pre-season required surgery and sidelined him for three months. The France Under-21 international had enjoyed a strong debut season in English football after moving from Lorient, scoring 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Return to action and renewed interest
Kroupi has since returned to fitness and played in Bournemouth's last three matches as a substitute. He will be hoping to make his first start under Marco Rose when the Cherries face Sparta Prague in the Europa League and Ipswich in the Premier League before the November international break.
His return has sparked fresh transfer speculation, with The Mirror reporting that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his attacking options in January. The Gunners are also said to be keen on Yildiz, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to north London in recent windows.
Yildiz injury and Juventus stance
Yildiz, like Kroupi, suffered a foot fracture in late August that required surgery. The Turkey international has not featured since, having made just one Serie A appearance this season. He is also attracting interest from Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Signing either player in January could prove difficult for Arsenal. Bournemouth are reportedly unwilling to sell Kroupi mid-season, especially with England midfielder Alex Scott potentially leaving in January amid interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti ruled out Yildiz's departure in the summer, insisting it did not matter if interested clubs offered €100 million. However, reports in Italy suggest another failure to qualify for the Champions League could force Juventus to sell their top asset. The Bianconeri currently sit seventh in Serie A, six points outside the Champions League places after 10 games.
