Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, according to reports.
The Sun claim that the Blues (along with Real Madrid) “have dispatched regular scouts” to keep a close eye on the Frenchman as they weigh up a potential move during the summer transfer window.
Kroupi moved to Bournemouth for just £10m at the start of last year, but he only became part of the Cherries’ first team setup in July, having spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Lorient.
Since making his debut in the Premier League, though, the 19-year-old has caught the eye, scoring 8 goals in 20 appearances.
Bournemouth are keen on keeping Kroupi
Despite having only signed him just over a year ago, The Sun report that Andoni Iraola’s side are looking to tie him down to a new contract in order to ward off potential suitors.
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They feel Kroupi could be worth as much as £80m in the future, and they are reluctant to sell before he reaches his top level. Speaking last month about the plater after the 2-0 win over Wolves, Iraola labelled his performance as “incredible”, demonstrating how highly rated he is inside the club.
Chelsea have been linked with the striker before
The Blues were reportedly hoping to beat Bournemouth to the France Under 21 international’s signature, but the Cherries have a strong partnership with Lorient that allowed them to jump the queue.
It does appear as if co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart have had Kroupi on their radar for a long time, and they are likely to be in the market for a new No.9 this summer.
Reports suggest that the London club have also been talking with the agents of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, so it is clearly a position they are looking to strengthen.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here