Question marks remain about the future of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City beyond this season, but that doesn't mean his influence won't still be felt at the club.
The Cityzens currently trail Arsenal in the Premier League by three points, but will go top of the table if they win their game in hand, while they have also reached a fourth consecutive FA Cup final after a 2-1 win over Southampton this past weekend.
But while there are some doubts about whether Guardiola will still be in the dugout next season, reports have emerged that he is still in the ear of director of football Hugo Viana about a big-money deal he wants the club to complete in the upcoming transfer window.
Guardiola Wants Man City to Sign Kroupi
AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
According to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Man City are showing a strong interest in Bournemouth star Junior Eli Kroupi over a deal to take him to the Etihad this summer.
Kroupi, who has been compared to Kylian Mbappe, has enjoyed a wonderful campaign for the Cherries, netting 11 times in the Premier League, which has seen him attract the attention of several top clubs in the division.
Guardiola is understood to be a huge fan of the 19-year-old's qualities and attributes, and has told Viana that he should add him to the squad. Club chiefs have also endorsed the deal, and that has seen Viana hold talks with the player's agent already to discuss a potential switch.
Bournemouth, having sold Antoine Semenyo in January to Man City, are adamant they don't want to lose another top star this summer and have slapped an €80m (£70m) asking price on his head, but City are not being put off.
Kroupi Could Be Next Long-Term Addition
eli kroupi
City have never been scared to invest in youth when it comes to their forward department, and Kroupi is the type of talent that they would love to have and develop into a world-beater.
He has shown that he is capable of playing in the Premier League despite his lack of experience, and with his ability to play across the front line he would get plenty of game time, especially considering Bernardo Silva is on his way out.
Guardiola would be the perfect manager for him to develop and grow, and be given the patience in a winning team. Whether a deal materialises or not remains to be seen, but it's certainly one to keep an eye on.
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