Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s in-form centre-forward Eli Junior Kroupi over potential summer move The sun.
Kroupi, a product of Lorient’s academy, made his senior debut on the final day of the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season. At the age of 16 years and 345 days, he surpassed Matteo Guendouzi’s long-standing milestone by becoming the youngest player in the club’s history, introduced for the final seven minutes of a 2–1 win over Strasbourg.
His involvement grew during the 2023/24 season, and he soon set another milestone by overtaking Andre Ayew’s record as Lorient’s youngest goalscorer, scoring in a 5–3 defeat to Nantes in September 2023. Not long after, he struck twice in a 3–3 draw with Lyon, becoming the youngest player since 1974 to score a brace in Ligue 1.
Those displays in France attracted interest from several quarters before Bournemouth secured his signing. This season, the 19-year-old has scored eight Premier League goals, including a brutal strike in the recent 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After his meteoric rise, The sun claims Bournemouth have been in talks to extend his contract at the Vitality Stadium, and with interest in his services soaring, the Cherries are looking to recoup a club record £80m from his sale.
Exciting prospect
The South Coast club’s willingness to extend his contract comes after continued club interest in the 19-year-old. The sun claims Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the exciting striker.
The report adds that the London giants have regularly sent scouts to monitor his performances ahead of a potential move in next summer’s transfer window.
Given his meteoric rise, it is not surprising that several top European clubs are vying for his signature, as the report reveals that Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are set to battle the Blues for Kroupi’s signature.
Chelsea already have plenty of attacking options, and further reinforcements are also planned for next season.
Agreements have been signed for Emanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev to join in the summer. At the same time, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Marc Guiu and talented players Shumaira Mheuka and Dujuan Richards remain part of the squad at Stamford Bridge.
While Kroupi has the qualities and potential to become world class, Rosenior currently has several options. Therefore, reinforcements should be focused elsewhere, such as at centre-back, rather than spending £80 million on another exciting prospect.
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