Arsenal are considering a January move for Real Madrid forward Endrick after Bournemouth made it clear they will not sell Eli Junior Kroupi during the winter transfer window.
Mikel Arteta wants to add more firepower to his squad for the second half of the season, especially with Bukayo Saka facing a spell on the sidelines. Endrick is now among the options being considered, although he is not Arsenal’s first choice, according to talkSPORT.
Kroupi remains the Gunners’ preferred target, but Bournemouth’s refusal to negotiate has forced them to look elsewhere. Endrick’s lack of playing time at Real Madrid could make him a more realistic option in January.
With Arsenal weighing up whether to pursue a loan, a permanent deal, or a loan with an option to buy.
Why Kroupi Is So Difficult To Sign
Kroupi caught Arsenal’s attention after scoring 13 goals in his first Premier League season following his move from Lorient for around £10 million. However, Bournemouth have little interest in losing one of their most promising players midway through the campaign.
BBC Sport reported in October that the club was prepared to reject January offers. At the time, the 20-year-old was also recovering from surgery on a fractured metatarsal suffered during pre-season.
Kroupi has since returned to training, but Bournemouth are still keen to keep him. They see him as an important part of their plans for the rest of the season and are under no pressure to sell.
Arsenal could also face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who have all been linked with the forward. Bournemouth are reportedly looking for more than £100 million to consider letting him go.
Kroupi has made no secret of his ambitions. Speaking to DAZN France, he said: “I’m going to give my all to play for the biggest clubs in the world, in the best leagues in the world.”
That does not mean he is pushing for an immediate move, though. His focus is on getting back to full fitness and continuing his progress at Bournemouth, making a January transfer difficult to see happening.
Why Endrick Appeals To Arsenal
With Kroupi looking increasingly difficult to sign, Endrick offers Arsenal another option. The Brazilian remains highly rated, but his limited opportunities at Real Madrid could make a temporary move possible.
Endrick has struggled for regular minutes this season; he has played just 114 minutes across seven appearances in all competitions.
Despite his lack of game time, he has shown glimpses of his quality in Europe. He has scored once and provided one assist in three Champions League appearances, although he is yet to register a goal contribution in La Liga this season.
Arsenal may also have a useful connection behind the scenes. Endrick shares an agency with his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior, while Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly on good terms with the Brazilian forward.
That relationship could help open discussions, but any deal would depend on Real Madrid's willingness to let Endrick leave and the terms they would accept.
Arsenal would need to decide whether a loan or permanent move makes more sense, or whether they could negotiate an option to buy. On the pitch, Endrick would give Arteta another option across the attack.
He can play through the middle or in wider positions, offering flexibility and competition in the forward line. At 20, he also has plenty of time to develop.
The key question is whether Arsenal see him as a long-term addition or a short-term option while they wait for another chance to sign Kroupi. For now, Endrick looks like the more realistic January target.
