Arsenal Targeting Bournemouth Prodigy Eli Junior Kroupi

The transfer market may be weeks away from reopening, but Europe’s heavyweights are already moving pieces on the board.

Arsenal have set their sights on Bournemouth prodigy Eli Junior Kroupi, with the 20-year-old France Under-21 forward emerging as a serious target. The London club are described as “extremely keen” on a deal, yet Bournemouth are braced for interest and would demand a huge fee to even consider doing business.

While Arsenal look to the south coast, Real Madrid are casting their gaze towards Merseyside. The Spanish champions are weighing up a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The 24-year-old England centre-back has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs, but Madrid’s interest raises the stakes around one of the most coveted young defenders in England.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are once again ready to test the market for elite wide talent. The club are keen to explore a £69m deal for Spain international Nico Williams, the 24-year-old winger who has become a standout performer for Athletic Bilbao. His release clause and growing reputation make him one of the most attractive – and expensive – attacking options available.

Amid the noise, Arsenal are drawing a firm line over one of their key midfielders. The club have no intention of selling 27-year-old Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January, shutting down the prospect of a mid-season exit as they chase major honours.

Spain’s giants are also looking to the future. Real Madrid and Barcelona have both made fresh enquiries about American teenager Cavan Sullivan. The 16-year-old is already set to join Manchester City from Philadelphia Union when he turns 18, but that has not stopped La Liga’s big two from checking in on one of the most talked-about prospects in the game.

Liverpool face a far more straightforward – and expensive – equation. To land 20-year-old Brazilian Rayan from Bournemouth, they will have to pay his full £130m release clause. Manager Andoni Iraola’s past relationship with the midfielder from his time as Cherries boss offers no discount and no leverage. The price is fixed. The decision is Liverpool’s.

In Spain, another high-profile name is reassessing his future off the pitch. Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Julian Alvarez, 26, who has admirers at Arsenal and Barcelona, is considering leaving his long-term agent after a summer dominated by transfer speculation.

As clubs sharpen their plans and players weigh their options, the next window is already taking shape – and some of Europe’s biggest decisions are quietly being made now, long before the first bid goes in.