Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi has been ruled out for 3-4 months after suffering a foot injury in training, all but ending Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of a deal this summer, according to David Ornstein.

The Gunners have been in the market for a new forward this summer and Kroupi had emerged as a target following a record-breaking 13 goal season in the Premier League last season. Spurs, on the other hand, are keen to bring in two new forwards, and Kroupi had been linked as one of their top targets alongside Savinho.

But a move away now looks impossible after the striker was forced to jet back from the club’s tour of Austria to undergo surgery.

via Reuters

Kroupi, who has been described as ‘world-class’, has been one of the most sought-after forwards in the transfer market this summer, with a number of top clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

Bournemouth, however, have been adamant that he will not be sold under any circumstances, refusing to put a valuation on the player as they look to keep him at the Vitality Stadium.

Now, any hopes that Arsenal or Spurs had of getting a deal done later in the window have been scuppered, after the French forward suffered a fracture of his fifth metatarsal and was forced to undergo surgery.

The player flew home from the club’s pre-season tour in Austria and underwent successful foot surgery on Wednesday, and is now expected to be sidelined until late October or November.

The injury is a huge blow for Bournemouth too, who had been planning their campaign around the star forward for new manager Marco Rose. The club have already bolstered their forward options with the £21m signing of Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche, while they are adamant that Brazil star Rayan will also stay put despite strong interest.

North London Duo Must Return to Drawing Board

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It’s no surprise that Kroupi was attracting major attention following his performances in the Premier League, but both Arsenal and Tottenham, plus any other interested clubs, will now have to go back to the drawing board.

Bournemouth had always been adamant that he wouldn’t be sold, but there was strong links consistently that bids would be made anyway, which may have seen their stance waiver or the player’s desires come into play.

But it now becomes a total non-story due to the injury, and those clubs must start to look at alternative options in the market, or decide whether they will go with what they already have and try for Kroupi in the future.

Newcastle United are set to step up their pursuit of Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli, with sources indicating that a deal could be struck for around €50 million (£43 million), according to TEAMtalk.

Ezzalzouli enjoyed an exceptional 2025/26 season for Betis as they qualified for the Champions League, netting 15 goals and providing ten assists across all competitions. The form has, unsurprisingly, sparked interest from several clubs across Europe, including the Magpies and Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs reportedly made contact to sign Ezzalzouli earlier this summer, but Newcastle are now very much considered the frontrunners in the race to land the Moroccan.

Talks between the player’s representatives and the Tynesiders have taken place, with the 24-year-old said to be keen on plying his trade in the Premier League.

Newcastle Step Up Interest in Abde Ezzalzouli

Newcastle are under pressure to strengthen their squad after losing key players Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer. On top of these marquee departures, Bruno Guimaraes is seemingly edging closer to joining Arsenal, leaving Eddie Howe’s ensemble devoid of star players.

Thus far, the Magpies have focused on adding youngsters who can develop into superstars in the coming years, with the likes of Ewen Jaouen, Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur and Bazoumana Toure all arriving in the north-east.

However, there is a need for a more established star, particularly at the front end of the pitch, and Ezzalzouli has been identified as a candidate for this role.

TEAMtalk report that Newcastle have been in talks for the Betis star for some time, and that the deal is now edging closer.

The winger views the ‘intensity and ambition’ of English football as an attractive next move for his career, and is open to Newcastle as a destination specifically.

Betis aren’t particularly keen on losing their star man, although they are willing to sanction his departure for around £43 million.

Abde Ezzalzouli Would Be an Excellent Addition For Newcastle

Gordon left Newcastle for Barcelona earlier this summer, signing for La Blaugrana for around £69 million. While Toure may be deemed the long-term replacement for the England international, the Magpies need someone who has a greater chance of replacing the Catalonia-bound star’s output next term.

Ezzalzouli fits the bill. The Morocco international boasts frightening pace and carrying ability, and is astute at executing with his final ball or shot in the final third.

While last season was the first year in his career when he demonstrated his quality on a consistent basis, he has an impressive pedigree, having graduated from La Masia, and is clearly ready to take the step-up to a higher level.

There is a shortage of quality wingers available on the market, but Newcastle may just have found one in Ezzalzouli.

In a summer expected to be full of glamorous transfers, Chelsea have taken the somewhat surprising decision to target a couple of Premier League veterans. Indeed, Xabi Alonso appears keen on Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.

Henderson won it all with Liverpool as captain under Jurgen Klopp before leaving in 2023, and spent last season with Brentford after spells at Al-Ettifaq and Ajax. Now 36, the Bees have confirmed his exit by mutual agreement, with the Champions League-winning midfielder expected to be unveiled at Stamford Bridge soon.

Welbeck is another experienced Englishman, and having spent time at Manchester United and Arsenal in his younger days, he’s been at Brighton since 2020. The 35-year-old scored 13 league goals last term, the best tally of his career. Chelsea are said to have now swooped in and agreed a deal with the Seagulls over his transfer.

With a combined age of 71, it’s not the sort of double deal you see often. With that in mind, pundit Gary Neville has offered his thoughts on the pair who both played for Sunderland as youngsters.

Neville Speaks Out on Henderson and Welbeck at Chelsea

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

Speaking to Sky Sports, former Manchester United defender Neville was more than happy to praise Chelsea for their approach. He accepted that it’s a ‘big shift’ for the Blues, but insisted the club could benefit from adding ‘senior professionals’ into the dressing room. He explained:

Chelsea Have Lacked Leadership in Recent Seasons

Neville spoke about how Chelsea have targeted youth in the past, but have perhaps been hurt as more experienced members of the dressing room have left. He noted:

The likes of Jorginho and Thiago Silva were key characters in the dressing room who were never really replaced at Stamford Bridge, which may explain why they have finished 12th, 6th, 4th, and 10th in the last four Premier League seasons.

While Welbeck and Henderson won’t be expected to deliver spectacular individual performances on the pitch, they might just offer enough to bring the best out of their teammates.