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Arsenal shortlist Julian Alvarez & Eli Junior Kroupi as attacking targets for January

By on September 7, 2026

Arsenal have shortlisted Atletico Madrid’s Julián Álvarez and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi as attacking targets for the January transfer window, according to CaughtOffside.

Following the conclusion of a successful 2025-26 campaign that ended the club’s over-two-decade wait for a Premier League crown, Arsenal went into the summer transfer window with the hope of improving their squad.

While they completed ambitious moves for Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes, the attack was one area the club looked to bolster, especially after the departures of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.

The club explored moves for Morgan Rogers and made an ambitious attempt to sign Vinicius. Still, neither deal materialised, as Rogers joined Chelsea in a big-money move while Vinicius agreed to a contract extension with Madrid.

Arsenal ended the summer with Chritos Tzolis as their only attacking addition and currently the only natural left winger in the squad, leading to suggestions the club could explore a move for another forward in the next transfer window.

Now, according to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have earmarked Julian Alvarez and Eli Junior Kroupi as attacking targets for January.

Double swoop

A move for Alvarez would be ambitious and could instantly improve the Gunners’ attack, as his ability to play across the frontline, plus his intensity and experience, makes him a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system, according to the report.

However, CaughtOffside reports that the problem with signing the Argentine is his valuation, as Atletico could demand a fee well above £100m, suggesting Arsenal will have to be convinced he’s the missing piece in their attack to go for

On the other hand, Kroupi, valued at £60m by Transfermarkt, is viewed as a more affordable option with long-term potential, although his surgery following a metatarsal injury complicates a potential move in the winter transfer window, according to the report.

Arsenal’s attackers were at their fluid best on Sunday when they hosted Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. Beyond the 2-1 result, the team’s attackers were immaculate and were involved in several goalscoring chances.

However, Gyokeres failed to impress in his short cameo, further highlighting why the North London club are keen on signing a new centre-forward.

With both players expected to cost over a combined £160m, it’ll be interesting to see whether Arsenal target both forwards or prioritise one in January.