Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Eli Junior Kroupi has taken another major step in his return from injury, making his senior France debut as speculation continues over a potential January move.The Bournemouth forward came off the bench in the 77th minute of France’s 3-1 defeat to Italy on Thursday, having recently recovered from the foot injury that disrupted his summer.The 20-year-old was heavily linked with Tottenham during the previous transfer window, with TEAMtalk claiming that Spurs were preparing an offer worth more than £80m before his injury brought their pursuit to a halt.Reports have since suggested that Roberto De Zerbi remains a keen admirer of the Frenchman and that Tottenham could revisit a deal in January. With Kroupi now back in action, his fitness is no longer the immediate obstacle it was during the summer.Photo by Antonino Lagana – FIGC/FIGC via Getty ImagesArsenal reportedly consider move for Evanilson instead of KroupiTottenham are not the only Premier League club to have been linked with Kroupi, with Arsenal also credited with an interest in the Bournemouth attacker.However, a fresh report suggests that Mikel Arteta’s side are considering a move for another member of the Cherries’ attack, which could have implications for Tottenham’s pursuit of the France international.According to the Daily Briefing, Arsenal have identified Kroupi’s Bournemouth teammate Evanilson as a potential signing, with Manchester City also interested in the Brazilian.The report claims that the two clubs are among the leading contenders for Evanilson, who is valued at around €60m (£50m). His performances have attracted attention, with Arsenal reportedly looking to strengthen their centre-forward options.If Arsenal were to prioritise Evanilson, it could potentially reduce the competition Tottenham face for Kroupi. However, there is no indication that the Gunners have ended their interest in the Frenchman, and both transfers remain speculative at this stage.Tottenham still face a major obstacle in January Kroupi pursuitEven if Arsenal turn their attention elsewhere, Tottenham would still have to convince Bournemouth to part with one of their most promising young players midway through the season.Football Insider previously reported that Bournemouth have no intention of selling Kroupi in January, with the Cherries expected to maintain their £80m valuation of the attacker.The forward’s return from injury is also positive news for Bournemouth, who will be hoping that he can reproduce the form that saw him score 13 Premier League goals last season.His progress was underlined on Thursday when he made his first senior international appearance for France. Bournemouth confirmed the milestone on their official website, having previously announced his first senior call-up earlier in the international break.Spurs need to be careful over how much they offer for KroupiThere is plenty to like about Kroupi from Tottenham’s perspective. He has already demonstrated his goalscoring ability in the Premier League, while his age means he could potentially develop into a long-term solution to Spurs’ problems in front of goal.However, spending more than £80m on a player who has only recently returned from a significant injury would represent a considerable investment, particularly when De Zerbi already has Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush competing for attacking roles.Tottenham also need to consider whether their struggles in front of goal are entirely down to their centre-forwards. Spurs have taken plenty of shots this season without consistently creating high-quality chances, suggesting there are issues elsewhere in the attacking system that also need addressing.Kroupi’s return to fitness and his international breakthrough are encouraging developments if Tottenham remain interested. Nevertheless, Bournemouth’s reluctance to sell could be a far bigger problem than Arsenal’s pursuit of another striker.READ MORE: Tottenham and Arsenal receive early January news in £80m Eli Junior Kroupi raceThe post Tottenham handed fresh Eli Junior Kroupi boost as Arsenal eye alternative striker appeared first on Spurs Web.