Arsenal Transfer Target Returns to Full Training Ahead of January Window

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Arsenal transfer target Eli Junior Kroupi has returned to full first-team training at Bournemouth, providing a significant boost for the forward and potentially reviving interest ahead of January.

The 20-year-old has been sidelined since July after suffering a fractured metatarsal during a training session. His injury required surgery and disrupted plans for his development this season.

Kroupi’s recovery is now progressing positively, with the young forward rejoining his teammates. Bournemouth manager Marco Rose has confirmed his return to team training, although competitive involvement will be managed carefully.

“Junior is back into the team training, but not on the UEFA list,” Rose explained. “But maybe we can have him for some minutes in Manchester.”

The manager’s comments suggest Kroupi could return to action against Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend. However, he remains unavailable for Bournemouth’s Europa League meeting with AC Milan on Thursday.

Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam also reported that the forward had resumed training with his teammates, raising hopes that he could feature sooner than initially anticipated.

Earlier expectations suggested Kroupi might remain unavailable until November. His return therefore represents encouraging progress for Bournemouth as they prepare for an important period across domestic and European competitions.

The France Under-21 international enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring 13 league goals. He became Bournemouth’s leading scorer and set a record for the most Premier League goals by a teenager during a debut season.

His performances attracted interest from several prominent clubs during the summer transfer window. Arsenal were among the teams linked with the forward, while Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona were also reportedly monitoring his situation.

However, Bournemouth maintained that Kroupi was not available for transfer, emphasising his importance to their long-term plans. His injury subsequently halted speculation about a possible departure during the summer.

During his absence, Bournemouth have relied on alternative attacking options, including Evanilson and summer signing Alvaro Rodriguez. Kroupi’s return could provide Rose with another valuable goalscoring option.

If the youngster regains full fitness and reproduces his previous performances, interest from Arsenal and other clubs could intensify ahead of January. His immediate priority, however, will be returning to competitive football and rebuilding match fitness.

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