Arsenal have drawn up a two-man shortlist for the January transfer window, with Julian Alvarez and Eli Junior Kroupi offering markedly different solutions to Mikel Arteta’s attacking concerns.
Alvarez is viewed as the ambitious option. The Atletico Madrid forward can operate as a central striker, second forward or from a wider position, making him a potential answer to the lack of depth created by Arsenal’s summer departures.
Arsenal explored a deal for the Argentina international before the summer deadline, but discussions failed to advance after Alvarez made clear that Barcelona was his preferred destination. He ultimately stayed at Atletico, where he remains contracted until 2030. ([atleticodemadrid.com](https://www.atleticodemadrid.com/noticias/bienvenido-julian-alvarez?utm_source=openai))
That has not ended the possibility of a move in January. TEAMtalk reported that Arsenal are prepared to make a strong attempt to sign Alvarez if his situation in Madrid changes, with the club willing to consider a fee in excess of £100 million. ([teamtalk.com](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/julian-alvarez-january-transfer-claim-arsenal-barcelona?utm_source=openai))
Arsenal weighing Alvarez against Kroupi
Alvarez would bring immediate elite-level experience and tactical flexibility to Arteta’s side. His pressing, mobility and record of competing for major honours would also fit the demands of Arsenal’s system.
Kroupi represents a more developmental investment. The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive first Premier League season with Bournemouth, scoring 13 goals in 33 appearances and attracting interest from several leading clubs. ([theanalyst.com](https://theanalyst.com/players/5676/junior-kroupi/career?utm_source=openai))
He can lead the line or move into wider attacking areas, but his availability remains a concern. Kroupi suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal during Bournemouth’s pre-season camp in Austria and underwent surgery, with an expected recovery period of three to four months. ([leparisien.fr](https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/loperation-sest-bien-passee-victime-dune-fracture-du-pied-eli-junior-kroupi-absent-plusieurs-mois-29-07-2026-3JXKG6PULNC7PM63BJHZ6LQ7IQ.php?utm_source=openai))
That injury would make Arsenal cautious about committing to a major January investment, particularly if the forward has only recently returned to full training and competitive action.
The decision will reflect Arsenal’s priorities for the second half of the season. Following the departures of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, the club have fewer established attacking options than they had last campaign, although Christos Tzolis and Eberechi Eze provide alternatives from the left.
Kroupi would offer greater value and the prospect of long-term development, while Alvarez would be expected to strengthen Arsenal immediately as they pursue further domestic and European success.
Atletico’s valuation is likely to be the principal obstacle to the latter deal. Arsenal would need to decide whether Alvarez represents the final major piece of Arteta’s attack before committing to a fee that could rise well beyond £100 million.
For now, the pair remain the two names under consideration, with Arsenal’s January plans likely to depend on Alvarez’s position at Atletico and Kroupi’s progress following his foot surgery.
