Bournemouth rule out January exit for Eli Junior Kroupi amid Arsenal and Barcelona interest

AFC Bournemouth have reportedly ruled out the possibility of allowing Eli Junior Kroupi to leave the club during the upcoming January transfer window amid growing interest from several European heavyweights.

The Cherries have no intention of sanctioning the departure of any of their key players midway through the 2026-27 campaign as they remain determined to secure European qualification for a second consecutive season.

Kroupi, 20, who has France and Ivorian descent is among the players attracting considerable attention, having emerged as one of Bournemouth’s most exciting attacking prospects since arriving from French side FC Lorient.

The youngster was reportedly on the radar of Arsenal and FC Barcelona during last summer’s transfer window, while several other Premier League clubs have continued to monitor his progress following his impressive performances in England.

However, Bournemouth’s hierarchy are understood to be determined to retain his services beyond January, viewing him as an important part of their ambitions for the remainder of the season.

The same position reportedly applies to midfielder Alex Scott, who has been monitored by Chelsea for several months. The Blues have maintained an interest in the 23-year-old, but Bournemouth are reluctant to weaken their squad while competing for a place in European football.

Kroupi’s growing reputation follows an impressive debut campaign in the English top flight, during which he scored 13 Premier League goals to establish himself as one of the most promising young forwards in the competition.

His progress has attracted further attention despite a frustrating start to the current season, with an injury delaying his involvement in the 2026-27 campaign.

The former Lorient attacker eventually returned to action towards the end of October and has quickly found himself back in the spotlight.

His performances and potential have also earned him recognition at international level, with France head coach Zinedine Zidane selecting him as a replacement for the injured Marcus Thuram in the senior national team squad.

The call-up represents a significant milestone in Kroupi’s career, marking his first invitation to the senior France team and highlighting the rapid progress he has made since establishing himself in English football.

With his stock continuing to rise, interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and other potential suitors is unlikely to disappear.

Nevertheless, Bournemouth’s immediate priority is to keep their most influential players at the Vitality Stadium, with the club unwilling to entertain January departures as they pursue another successful Premier League campaign.